Coachless Alpha makes splash at robotics challenge

On their own, without being guided critically by a coach, the enterprising team of the Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) shone at the prestigious First Tech Challenge (FTC) Jamaica National Robotics Championship – excelling in innovation, teamwork and STEM leadership on a national stage.

Team ‘Alpha’, underrated but undeterred, with an alliance with the American International School in Kingston, surprised more favoured teams, losing only to Meadowbrook in an alliance with Wolmer’s Boys’ School in the finals.

“It was a surprise even to us,” acknowledged team captain Julianne Campbell. “At the start of the season, we were fairly new to all things robotics. We had troubles along the way and so we set three goals. One was to be placed in the top 10, second was to be placed in the top five, and lastly, we wanted to win an award. Once competition day arrived we still had issues, but even with those issues, we saw our score going up after each round, and before we knew it we were in the semi-finals choosing a team to be in our alliance.”

Competing without a coach meant special preparation.

“As a team yet to acquire a coach,” continued Campbell, “we make goals at the start of a new season. Throughout the weeks to follow, we track our progress according to the goals that were set. If we stumble on a hard problem, we reach out to other schools. For example, this season we had mentorship from Team Circle of Wolmer’s Boys’ and had assistance from Dunoon [Technical High School].”

“The school is STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-focused,” said Kali McMorris, principal of Alpha. “Our strong IT department has always had the ability to produce students who can code and design; so this was a natural progression. We intend for our students to lead the principled development of technology tools that will help our nation.”

The team of seven engineers and two programmers is looking ahead.

CLUB’S AIM

“My aim for the club is not only to teach the new generation of robotic enthusiasts, but to give the school’s robotics team the chance to stand on the championship stage after passing the regional stage that is held in Jamaica,” said Campbell.

“I also want the team to aim higher for awards like Inspire.”

The coveted Inspire Award is about showing success not only in designing and building a robot, but also to be sharing experiences with other teams and one’s community.

The team is steadily supported by the Alpha Alumnae Florida Chapter whose fundraiser, Beyond the Stars, will be staged on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at Club 19, the South Florida Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racquet Club, to prioritise STEM initiatives and support other academic and extracurricular programmes at the school.

“This achievement by the robotics team is more than a trophy,” said Kerry-Ann Brown, president of the chapter.

“It is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are equipped with opportunity, resources, and unwavering support.”