SCHOOL NEWS
West Broward BotCats Continue On Despite the Pandemic
T
he West Broward High School Robotics Team, known as the BotCats, did not miss a beat during the pandemic. The group of high school student tech-aficionados went virtual with design and robot building this year, all thanks to coach and Hollywood resident Kate Sample. Kate, who was once a robotics team participant herself, stepped into the role of coach after the unfortunate death of the previous coach several years ago. The team has thrived under her guidance. Student participation has tripled and the
By Christy Jaillet BotCats have found great success, most recently winning the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award last year. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the club has adapted to virtual competition and also aided the community by packing and donating STEM kits to local elementary students, building plexiglass safety dividers for teachers, and more. They are thankful for the long-term support from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). The club is part of FIRST, a not-for-profit inclusive robotics community program that prepares young people for the future by engaging them in robotics and STEM subjects. The FIRST AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, for which Kate volunteers, aims to expand FIRST clubs to underserved communities. The BotCats wrapped up their successful season in April, but are already preparing for summer camp and the next school year.
Kate Sample
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