BALLSTON SPA, NY (WRGB) — A local high school robotics team is making its mark on the national stage for a second year in a row.
On Saturday, the Ballston Spa High School FIRST Robotics Team #3044 OxBe4 has qualified for the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas.
Qualifying is a major accomplishment for the students, mentors, and coaches.
At the weekend competition, the team wielded the only undefeated robot in qualifying play, going 8-0 in qualifying matches and 9-1 overall.
The team also earned the Team Spirit Award, collected 47 playoff qualification points, finishing second in the region among non-qualified teams and third overall in the competition.
However, the team needs the community’s help getting to Texas!
They raise all of their own money, according to Bill Parlapiano, the team’s mentor. The school does not directly fund the team, and it is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars to send them to the world competition.
Students and supporters are asking the community for help in getting the team to Houston ahead of the April 28th deadline.
Contributions can be made through the Ballston Spa Community Education Fund by clicking here.
They ask that contributions be in the name of Team #3044 and note that in the note to staff section.