For the second consecutive year, Explorer Robotics (Team 5181), the upperclassmen robotics team at La Salle College High School, received the District Chairman’s Award for their unparalleled commitment to STEM education, community service, and the FIRST® core values. FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that facilitates robotics events for young adults from elementary through high school.
The Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST®, it honors the team that best represents a model for other robotics teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of the FIRST® program. Winning the Chairman’s Award demonstrates a profound dedication to inspiring greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encouraging more of today’s youth to become science and technology leaders.
To win the Chairman’s Award, students from Team 5181 curated 2 written essay submissions, a comprehensive video, and a live presentation in front of a judging panel.
Led by Chris White ‘23, Kevin White ‘23, and Evan Comiciotto ‘24, the team succeeded in displaying their continued efforts to provide quality, comprehensive STEM education to young adults. Since 2013, Team 5181 has started 14 robotics teams in local schools, designed the curriculum for 4 STEM-related classes at La Salle, and hosted numerous camps and competitions for young innovators.
In January, the signature FLL (FIRST® LEGO League) robotics event hosted by Team 5181, “Skirmish at La Salle,” was named the largest regional competition in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey with 28 teams in record attendance. With only limited guidance from adult mentors, students from Team 5181 have collaborated to raise over $60,000 in funds, organize 10+ outreach events, publish a website, and become a principal example of science and technology leadership.
Winning the District Chairman's Award advances Team 5181 to the Regional FRC Championship at Lehigh University (April 7-9). Prior to that, the team will be competing in their second competition of the season at Bensalem High School April 2-3.
Watch our 2022 Chairman's Award Video:
Watch the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy District Event Awards Ceremony:
