4C Commodores Qualify for FIRST Championships
APRIL 9, 2018— Albany, GA— The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) Robotics team, the Commodores, will represent the 4C Academy at the FIRST Robotics (FRC) Championship in Houston, Texas April 18th through April 21st.
After competing in two district qualifying competitions and the FIRST Robotics State level event, the Commodores finished 22nd out of 82 teams in Georgia. According to the team’s Co-coach and 4C Academy IT instructor, Darren Hagler, “The Commodores have done an exceptional job this year, especially considering their rookie status. This is the second time in southwest Georgia FRC history that a team from this area has qualified for the FIRST Championships.”
In addition to building a competitive robot, the Commodores were awarded the title of Georgia Rookie All Star team, which is presented to the rookie team that best exemplifies the mission of FIRST Robotics. Hagler explains, “A team must receive the Rookie All Star award at the district level to be eligible for the award at the State competition. By winning the Georgia state Rookie All Star award, we secured a place at the World Competition in Houston.”
Commenting on the announcement, 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher said, “Winning the Rookie All Star award for the State of Georgia is an exceptional honor for our team as well as the 4C Academy. To be eligible, rookie teams must demonstrate professional skills including team work, collaboration, work ethic, marketing, and professional appearance. This award is particularly exciting to me because these are the very skills that we work on every day at the 4C Academy.”
“We couldn't be prouder of the 4C Academy team and what they've been able to accomplish," Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said. "Even above the technical aspects of their achievement, they've been recognized for exhibiting skills such teamwork and collaboration, which are critical for success. The Commodores are an excellent example of what we strive for in the DCSS, excellence both inside and outside of the classroom.”
In preparation for the trip to Houston, the Commodores will conduct several fundraising efforts and are offering sponsorship opportunities. Additional information is available through the 4C Academy.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Hatcher
CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Ph: 229-431-1562
Email: chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org
Web: 4CAcademy.org
About 4C Academy:
The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world. Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $50 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org