Servite Robotics Team Holds FIRST Robotics Signing Day

On May 21st, 2019, Servite High School and Team 3309 hosted their second annual FIRST Robotics Signing Day. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Program designated this day as its National College Signing Day for 2019. FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

FIRST Robotics Signing Day honors graduating robotics students who have committed to attend college next fall while celebrating the STEM education they have received in the classroom. Servite joined with FIRST teams across the country to highlight the achievements of graduating FIRST participants.

Servite students honored included: Chase Blagden, Jonah Bomwell, Brandon Capparelli, Andrew Hogue, and Max Kowalski.

During the event, the audience heard the many accomplishments of the honorees and watched as they signed a ceremonial letter stating which colleges they would be attending and which major they would be pursuing in the fall.

Blagden was awarded a $200,000 merit scholarship to attend the California Institute of Technology and will be majoring in Computer Science. Bomwell will be attending the University of California, San Diego to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Capparelli will attend California State University, Fullerton this fall in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Hogue will attend Loyola Marymount University with an $84,000 merit scholarship and major in Marketing. Kowalski will attend the University of Colorado, Boulder with a $25,000 Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Team 3309 welcomed Servite President Mr. Randall Adams and Mr. Michael Brennan, principal of Servite High School, to share a few words regarding the impact of Servite Robotics program on the school and its students.

Evan Smith, Servite Robotics director and lead mentor for Team 3309, shared, “Participation in FIRST allows Servite, Rosary, and Connelly students to utilize and broaden their understanding of today’s technology. As the only technology-based team at Servite, Team 3309 gives our students the unique opportunity to apply their knowledge of mathematics and science.” Smith continued, “Students learn to work together and focus their skills in many areas including computer science, physics, and engineering. With the tremendous support of our sponsors, mentors, and dedicated group of parents, the Friarbots has joined the upper echelon of robotics programs nationwide.”

Accomplishments during the Class of 2019’s time on the team included: three regional competition wins and four finalist performances, two Excellence in Engineering awards, two Quality Awards, two Innovation in Control Awards and one Safety Award, Team 3309 has also received four consecutive Chairman’s Awards, the most prestigious award in FIRST, and the opportunity to compete in the FIRST World Championship for the last four years

These seniors were offered a total of nearly half a million dollars in college merit scholarships this year, contributing to a team total of $6.2 million in merit awards in the past 5 years.