Whiz Kids: Schalm Elementary Robotics Team Earns Acclaim

Name: Robotics team — Matt Harvill, Eddie Stuart, Avery Cole, Timmy Prusinowski, Riley Thorne, Celena Saylor, Raiden Heintz, Hannah Jablonski, Griffin Frendo, Jackson Frendo, Logan Bolger and Adam Holder

School: Schalm Elementary School

Accomplishment: The 12-member Robotics Team formed in December and participated in the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The team won first and second place in the People's Choice category for robotic floats it built. The students built two floats — one of the Renaissance Center and the other of Comerica Park. The students did the computer programming so the floats could run on a track with sensors. Auto show attendees voted for their favorite from floats presented by participating schools.

Key to success: Faculty adviser Andrea Cole said students on the robotics team should be strong in math and science. She said team members are doing a great job of demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving.

"They did really well," Cole said. "We’re just happy they are getting out there and competing."

Members of the robotics team meet once a week after school. They attended a seminar at Lawrence Technological University where they learned the basics of robotic programming. On March 23, the team plans to compete at Redford Michigan Technical Academy in robo fashion and dance.

The team also works under faculty adviser Todd Wisniewski.

Do you know a special kid or group in the community who deserves a round of applause? Everyone deserves a little attention, and we want to tell these stories. So email Whiz Kid nominations to Editor Nicquel Terry at nicquel.terry@patch.com, fill out the information shown above and include a photo.