In April and May, Rockford Robotics has participated in some community events and competed in a FIRST Robotics Championship.

On April 6, our students joined with representatives from other area teams to promote FIRST Robotics and the Rock River Off-Season Competition at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Manufacturing Dinner.

Because of the growing number of Robotics teams, FIRST now hosts two championship events. From April 26 - 29, the team traveled to St. Louis to compete in that Championship event. Our team was assigned to the Telsa Division. After qualifying rounds, we ranked 22 of 68 teams. Though not chosen for eliminations, the team members thoroughly enjoyed this high energy event and meeting the many participating teams.

On May 13, the teams supported the FIRST Lego League Jr. Expo at Rockford's Discovery Center. Several of our mentors served as team interviewers and our students helped with hands-on activities. A few of our team members also mentor FLL Jr. and so attended the event as part of a team.

Next stop for the team is R2OC, the Rock River Off-Season Competition. This event, hosted by five Northern Illinois FIRST Robotics teams, takes place annually on the last Saturday of July. Location is Rock Valley College and is open to public. Learn more on the R2OC Website.