Woodstock Robotics Team Builds PowerWheels For Other Children

WOODSTOCK, GA — In keeping with their promise, the combined efforts between Firestorm Robotics/Etowah Electric Eagles and the Interact Club of Etowah High School delivered four PowerWheel mobility chairs just in time for Christmas. With the support of the Rotary Club of Towne Lake and Rotary District 6910, the joint efforts are creating mobility chairs for children with delayed mobility, giving them freedom of movement and the ability to go off-road.

In 2019, six PowerWheel mobility chairs were built for six local children; four were presented at the Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park Dec. 21.

As the children rounded the corner from the lit archway, their eyes widened at the sight of four very large packages sitting on the green each with one of their names. Passersby quickly gathered, puzzled at the sight and commotion. Boxes were removed revealing their new custom rides. Excitement ensued as they were each placed into their PowerWheel and given free rein over their ride - joystick in hand, and they were off. Each PowerWheel includes a safety feature of a handheld controller for the child’s parent that will override the onboard controls.

April Moss, whose daughter, Ari, was one of the recipients, shared how much the PowerWheel has affected the Little River Elementary School student’s life.

“Ari’s Wild Thing has blessed our family in more ways than just for Ari,” she said. “While it is great fun for her and gives a sense of independence and mobility, it is also therapeutic for coordination, cause and effect, critical thinking, fine motor skills, and core strengthening. My husband absolutely loves her new modified Wild Thing. It gives him a joyful and safe way to interact with our daughter in ways he has always hoped for but never thought realistic. I appreciate this organization far more than I can ever put into words for making a dream come true for our family.”

The collaboration of the Interact Club of Etowah High School, a club chartered by the Rotary Club of Towne Lake and supported by Rotary International for ages 12-18, and First Robotics, an organization focused on STEM outreach, helps to pave the way for the young leaders to find their passion, develop leadership, business, entrepreneur and STEM skills, while discovering the power of Service Above Self. With the backing of the Rotary Club of Towne Lake, the young leaders are connected to business leaders within the community and beyond, providing them invaluable experiences.

Erika Neldner, president of the Rotary Club of Towne Lake, sees value in the collaboration between the clubs.

“When this idea first came up, it seemed almost too good to be true. But, with the collaboration and support from Rotarians, the community, the Cherokee County School District and Superintendent Brian Hightower, and most importantly, the students involved with Interact, Firestorm Robotics and First Interact, the lives of many children have been blessed in such a short time,” Neldner said. “I see a great benefit long term for children with disabilities in our community, as well as students with an interest in STEM, business, public relations, event planning and/or fundraising.”

The robotics team is located within the Cherokee Makerspace, a community space created for individuals to enter with an idea and leave with a finished project. This space is perfect for the team, giving them the access and opportunity to work in the wood and metal shops, learn how to use laser cutters, powder coating, CAD, and more. Alexander Cua, creator of the Cherokee Makerspace and Towne Lake Rotarian, is excited to offer a space for the robotics team and Interact Club.

“Community is at the forefront of the Makerspace and I am happy to have a makerspace available for the clubs to train, design and build their competition robots, as well as their service project, PowerWheels Mobility Chairs,” Cua said.

The PowerWheels are an ongoing project for the young leaders with rides in the pipeline and more to come. With help from the public, the clubs will be able to continue their project and keep building for more children with delayed mobility.