03/18/2024
A disappointing weekend for VikingBots. I am so damn proud of Ellie Irwin and all of her teammates. They worked hard and accomplished a lot this year, including a district win at Patrick Henry.
I want to thank our fabulous mentors, Asher and Holland. Our
incredible volunteers have busted their butts to go above and beyond for our kids. I also want to our fabulous teacher sponsor, Courtney Sislo. Thank you for stepping up to the plate so the kids could still have a team. Special thanks to our parent sponsor Beth who took on a LOT to organize and plan everything for our kids.
A HUGE shoutout to our sister team, team Team #422 for all of your advice and support this year. Ellie and I very grateful for all that you guys have done for us. Another HUGE shoutout to team #1086 Blue Cheese Robotics and Mech Tech Dragons for inviting Ellie to your outreach teams. It was an honor for both of us to be part of something truly special in advocating for
SB 5 STEM+C Competition Team Grant Program and SJ 48 FIRST Robotics Day.
A big shout out to Ellie’s teammates. Thank you for welcoming a shy, introverted, and quirky girl into the world of robotics. You guys are all amazing young people and I’m glad that Ellie and I got to know you. ( well we already new David - who is the reason Ellie joined in the first place). We have had a incredible experience and we will miss you guys next year.
Finally, I want to thank my amazing daugter Ellie. Three years ago, I had asked Ellie to try to find a school based club or activity to put on her college applications. She HATES sports so I knew that wasn’t an option.
When I mentioned robotics, she sorta shrugged her shoulders and said a very disinterested “ Sure”. Little did we know that she would embrace and love it. Thank you, Ellie for stepping WAY out of your comfort zone. While today might have been your last robotics competition, you will carry this experience with you always. While this chapter in your journey is ending, you have a map in front of you that I believe will take you in new and fabulous directions. I am so incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished, not just in robotics, but in life. Watching you blossom into the beautiful young woman you are today has truly filled my heart.
Love you, Princess Munchkin Dude- To the moon and back, forever and a day, always….
I am truly going to miss FRC #2998 VikingBots. Again, thank you for being a part of our journey.
SKOL VIKINGBOTS!
