Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Principal Adam Caragher are pleased to announce that Great Brook School’s Aerial Drone Team won first place in the “Skills” portion and second overall in the Rec Foundation’s Aerial Drone Competition.
On Monday, Jan. 22, GBS’ Aerial Drone Team traveled to Springfield, VT, for the REC Foundation’s Drone Program: Mission Eclipse.
GBS was represented by three teams of students at the event. They competed against 15 other teams from across the region.
The three GBS teams were comprised of the following students:
- Josh Luce, Grade 8, and Quinn Lake, Grade 7.
- Grade 5 students Stephanie Luce and Milo Lazar, and Bradley Allen, Grade 6.
- Grade 7 students Ethan Beausolei, Bodhi Allen, and Kate Mehlenbacher.
During the competition, teams had to demonstrate teamwork by collaborating with another team, program their drone for autonomous flight, pilot their drone through an obstacle course, and participate in an interview with judges about the drone, programming and their competition log book.
This was the first year an Aerial Drone competition has been available for ConVal students. The competition offers an exciting opportunity to engage in hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and building interest for drone-related workforce and career opportunities.
Due to their efforts, Beausoleil, Allen, and Mehlenbacher have qualified for the regional competition which will take place in mid-May.
“These students have been working on and practicing together since late October in preparation for this event. To have scored first in the skills competition is quite an achievement,” said Principal Caragher. “We are very proud of their efforts and how well they represent our school and the ConVal District.”
