Schools

Phoenixville Robotics Club Qualifies for State Competition

The club will also host an upcoming final and seeks volunteers.

Editor's Note: The following was submitted on behalf of Phoenixville Area School District.

The Phoenixville Area High School Robotics Club, Phoenix Robo Works, has qualified for the 2012 PA FIRST Tech state competition—three times over! 

Teams can qualify one of three ways: 

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  • Winning a qualifying tournament  
  • Receiving the FIRST Tech Challenge Inspire Award  
  • Hosting one of five qualifying events.  

On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Phoenixville Area High School team won the championship at a Qualifying Tournament hosted by Promise Academy.

The team was also presented with the Inspire Award. The Inspire Award is the most prestigious FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) award and is given to the team that truly embodies the “challenge” of the FTC program. The team that receives this award is chosen by the judges as having best represented a role model FTC Team. The team that receives this award is a top contender for all other judging categories and is a strong competitor on the field. 

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Andy Chiofolo, high school math department chair and faculty advisor for Phoenix Robo Works, was understandably proud of his team. 

“They showed gracious professionalism in helping other teams,” he said.   

The team arrived early to assist in the setup of the competition fields, providing technical assistance and the donation of parts to teams whose robots were malfunctioning. 

“Our kids really stepped up, and it was a tremendous weekend,” said Chiofolo.

On Feb. 18, the club will host the final Pennsylvania Qualifying Tournament at . In all, 24 teams are expected to attend, and each will be vying for a coveted spot in the state championship.  

Doors open at 9 a.m. and the competition will begin at approximately 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, the snack bar and judging.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Andy Chiofolo at chiofoloa@pasd.k12.pa.us. 


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