Webb history made by school’s robotics
Chairman’s Award
Considered the highest recognition given during the FIRST Robotics competition season, the Chairman’s Award is presented to the team that “best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST,” according to its website.
FIRST officials opted to judge individual and team awards based on interviews and submitted documentation from the some 4,000 teams scheduled to participate in the 150-plus suspended events.
Webb 1466 was selected for the Chairman’s Award among 54 teams from eight states and Canada that were slated to compete at the FIRST Smoky Mountain Regional March 25-28 in Knoxville.
“As the first FRC team in East Tennessee, we’ve played a longtime role in mentoring other local teams and supporting program growth through education and volunteer work,” said Jenifer Lawrie, Webb Upper School science teacher and 1466 mentor/coach.
Lawrie added the program has intensified its efforts toward connecting Webb’s elementary, middle and high school robotics teams to form a unified program where older students mentor and share workspace and outreach projects with younger program members.
Flowers Finalist Award
As for Lawrie earning the Smoky Mountain Regional 2020 Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, “This award recognizes robotics team mentors who lead, teach, inspire and empower students to reach their goals, and celebrates effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design,” a Webb press release stated. “FIRST named one adult team mentor a Regional WFFA recipient at each of the some-75 regional competitions, worldwide.
“Robotics team members pick candidates for the Finalist Award and must submit an essay describing the qualities of their nominee and why he or she deserves the honor,” the release further stated.
In her nominating essay, 1466 co-captain Meryl Ye, Class of 2020, said Lawrie “promotes thinking and understanding in each Webb robotics team member. However, she doesn’t spoil the probable outcome of our endeavors because, as I have learned from her, failure is the greatest teacher.
“Dr. Lawrie encourages us to focus on the root of our problems and to keep an open mind on potential solutions,” Ye added. “Dr. Lawrie encourages us to reach out to students interested in business, journalism, art, and film.”
Lawrie is the second team mentor to earn Woodie Flowers Finalist Award honors in the history of Webb’s robotics program.
In addition, 1466 junior members Henry Partridge and Emory Wineland were named FIRST Dean’s List Semifinalists in recognition of their technical expertise, leadership, measured contributions, commitment to STEM outreach and academic success.
