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Volume 2, Issue 45 APRIL 4, 2025 Total Raised: $58,326 Lead this Legacy
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Shelby’s Tiger Bytes qualify for state By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
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Shelby High School’s rookie robotics team, Tiger Bytes #10654, came out on top again when they took another first place at last weekend’s competition in East Kentwood! This is the second first-place finish for the team this season when they were chosen to be the third team to join the winning #1 Alliance at the Muskegon competition held March 13-15. “Our kids are true rookies. Zero experience from mentors, zero experience from kids, aside from what they taught themselves,” Coach Angie Setlak proudly reported. Tiger Bytes robotics includes Shelby High School students Adelide Fleming, Chrystian Hoyt, Cael Omness, Kasey Oberlin, Sydney Reed and Ayden Whitehill. They are coached by Jan Michael Biyo, Setlak and Laura Castonia. Based on what the team was able to demonstrate a month ago, as well as their performance last weekend,
Oceana County 4-H Hippology Team they were selected by the is offering sponsorship rides to victory at state competition #1 Alliance to join them opportunities to anyone in the final round. “We were paired with Enigma Robotics out of West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids and Tech Vikes out of Hopkins High School (which in the end) set the state scoring record for the season of 230 points,” Biyo reported. “With that win we secured an invitation to play at the Michigan FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics state championship this coming weekend (April 10-12) at Saginaw Valley State University.” “The competition is at Saginaw Valley State University from Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening, and it’s free to everyone. The top 160 teams have been invited. We are lucky enough to be ranked 72 out of 600 teams,” Setlak added. “We are the only true rookie team going. All the other ‘rookie’ teams have a sister/parent team (meaning another team at the school) or their mentors or students have robotics experience.” Being able to qualify for the state championship is one thing; being able to pay for all the costs associated with this level of competition is quite another. The newly formed team doesn’t really have a budget, so they spent the early part of this week contacting businesses, organizations and individuals for financial support to help with registration fees, travel, lodging, food and equipment needs. The team
who is interested in supporting them, including branding on their robot, logo on future team shirts and promotional materials, as well as recognition on social media and at competitions. Any contributions, big or small, will go a long way in helping this “Cinderella” team get to state and compete in future seasons. According to the FIRST website (firstinspires.org), “Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12).” FIRST Robotics is a worldwide organization that challenges students to design, build, and compete with their own robots, fostering skills in engineering, problem-solving and teamwork. The competition has provided invaluable experience for the students, allowing them to apply STEM principles in a hands-on, real-world environment. Anyone interested in financially supporting the Tiger Bytes team for their state competition or future seasons may send donations to Shelby Public Schools in care of “FIRST Robotics Team #10654.” More information is available by contacting Biyo directly at janmichael.biyo@gmail. com.
What started as weekly study sessions in January turned into a championship-winning effort for the Oceana County 4-H Hippology Team at the 2025 Michigan 4-H Hippology Contest held March 15. “Competing against some of the best young equine enthusiasts in the state, these dedicated youth didn’t just show up—they dominated,” 4-H Coordinator of Oceana County Jennifer Payne proudly shared. “Hippology” may sound like something from the 1970s, but is actually the ultimate test of horse knowledge. It’s more than just knowing how to ride; it challenges participants in horse anatomy, diseases, nutrition, breeds, tack and care. Contestants compete in multiple phases, including written exams, slide identifications, hands-on stations, and oral presentations, all requiring a well-rounded understanding of all things equine. “As the Oceana County 4-H Hippology coach, I had the incredible privilege of working with these hardworking youth. Our preparation started in January, with weekly Monday study sessions,” Payne explained. “Along the way, we were fortunate to have guest experts step in to enhance the learning experience. Chad Coppess from Paradise Ranch taught the youth how to tie essential knots, a crucial skill for horse handling. Dr. Sarah Esquivel, a local veterinarian, gave a hands-on demonstration covering leg wrapping, bandaging, vaccinations, injections, and even how to draw blood from a horse. These lessons proved invaluable and gave the students a deeper understanding of real-world equine care.” The nerves were high when the team arrived at Michigan State University’s Anthony Hall, but so was the excitement. Oceana County 4-H rose to the challenge, taking home top honors. The Senior Novice Team of Alayna Hammerle, Shayla Johnson, Emery Velat and Lillian Wasson claimed 1st Place Overall and won 1st Place in the
Team Presentation Phase. Meanwhile, the Junior Novice Team of Jenna Willacker, Elizabeth Thomas, Anna Krehn and Lillian Bennett secured 3rd Place Overall and 3rd Place in the Team Presentation Phase. Individually, competitors from Oceana County had a standout performance. In the Junior Novice division, Lillian Bennett placed 2nd in the Slide Phase and finished 8th overall; Elizabeth Thomas took 5th in the Station Phase and 7th overall; and Jenna Willacker placed 4th in the Exam Phase. In the Senior Novice division, Alayna Hammerle finished 3rd in Judging, 3rd in Slide, 1st in Stations, 2nd in Exam and 1st Overall. Lillian Wasson placed 2nd in Slide, 3rd in Stations, and 4th overall; Shayla Johnson secured 4th in Stations, 5th in Exam, and 5th Overall; while Emery Velat earned 4th in the Exam Phase. “All huge achievements in a highly competitive field,” Payne said. “As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of what this team accomplished. Their dedication and enthusiasm made this an unforgettable experience. However, none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers, parents and community partners. A special thank you goes out to The Gerber Foundation, whose funding helped cover materials and competition expenses, ensuring that cost was never a barrier for any participant. We were also grateful to Country Dairy in New Era and The Pizza Factory in Shelby, who provided us with study spaces and much-needed snacks to keep the team motivated. The parents and volunteers were instrumental in organizing travel logistics and encouraging the youth throughout their journey,” Payne added. Payne said the group’s success this year has fueled excitement for what’s next. They want to expand the program into a year-round study group, and there’s even talk of collaborating with Newaygo and Muskegon Counties to host a regional Hippology contest, giving more youth the opportunity to develop their equine knowledge and leadership skills. With the passion and dedication this team has shown, there’s no doubt that Oceana County 4-H will continue making a big impact in the world of Hippology for years to come.