Robotics at Its Finest
Mar. 22, 2019, Omaha, Neb. – Seventh and eighth grade students from St. Matthew School in Bellevue discovered a high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program at Gross Catholic this past week. As part of a site visit coordinated between the two schools, junior high students participated in robotics demonstrations, team projects and troubleshooting complex systems using leading edge technology in a high-powered STEM lab. Demonstrations were led by Gross Catholic sophomore and robotics team leader, Andrew Jesus and faculty member and STEM program coordinator, Steve Hamersky.
The visit was coordinated in response to the opportunities and accomplishments some of St. Matthew’s students have experienced as members of the Junior Cougar robotics team. St. Matthew principal, Angie Palmer wanted more of her students to explore a high school STEM lab and to see first-hand the exciting dynamics of an exemplar robotics program.
“I really hope this visit spurs excitement and a desire to further explore STEM careers among our students,” said Palmer. “I am so proud of seventh grader Elliott Cook for his accomplishments with the Junior Cougar robotics team. It is very cool!”
The Gross Catholic High School robotics team recently finished as semifinalists at the Nebraska and Iowa Heartland Regional Robotics Championship tournament and qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship April 24 – 27 in Louisville, KY. At the regional tournament, the team finished with a score that ranks them 46th in the world out of over 5,000 national and international high school robotics teams. The team will also compete in the U.S. Open Robotics Tournament April 4 – 6 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, IA. In 2017, the Gross Catholic Robotics team traveled to Beijing, China where they placed second at the World Robotics Competition.
The Gross Catholic STEM program strives to inspire students to explore the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Students discover a love of innovation and learning through experiential activities, team-oriented competitions, field trips, and collaboration with local STEM partners. We empower our students to apply critical thinking and project management skills from all academic disciplines both inside and outside of the classroom. This integrated instructional approach encourages students to discern a future in growing STEM career paths with enthusiasm. According to program coordinator, Steve Hamersky, “When students see beyond their classroom to what others are doing in the STEM area, it can spark a new interest and be life changing”.
About Gross Catholic One of Nebraska’s premier private schools, Gross Catholic High School is a faith and family-based community committed to developing Christian leaders through academic excellence in the Marianist tradition. Recognized locally for its outstanding education, welcoming atmosphere, competitive sports programs, engaging activities, robust faith, and boundless service work, Gross Catholic has energized the Omaha area for 50 years. We are Faithful, Compassionate, and Driven! To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page at grosscatholic.org. (Above is the text, below is the code for the bottom.)
About Gross Catholic
One of Nebraska’s premier private schools, Gross Catholic High School is a faith and family-based community committed to developing Christian leaders through academic excellence in the Marianist tradition. Recognized locally for its outstanding education, welcoming atmosphere, competitive sports programs, engaging activities, robust faith, and boundless service work, Gross Catholic has energized the Omaha area for 50 years. We are Faithful, Compassionate, and Driven!
To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page at grosscatholic.org.
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