Calling all robotic enthusiasts and volunteers!

The explosive growth of robotics is evident nationally. Robotic supplies are short and demand grows as STEM becomes the new wave in education. It is hitting Fountain Hills.

The Robotic Club of Fountain Hills is sponsoring a competition in February. Our current projection has shown that we will be the largest competition ever and possibly the four-state area. We now predict we will reach our capacity of 50 teams by February.

When does this occur? Feb. 14-15 in the large and small gym of the high school. The events will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. until completed Saturday.

We are expecting up to 450 team members, coaches and assistants coming to Fountain Hills for a chance win in order to go to state. We are expecting up to twice this number in parents and spectators.

Would you like to volunteer?

We need up to 10-20 judges (you do not need to be technical and we will train). We also need 10 field assistants and five inspectors. We need up to 20 students and general assistants. This is all over a two-day period. You can choose the day your available or come for both days.

If you have children from ages K-12, we have two level of events. Vex IQ, which is for grades 1-6, and regular Vex for junior high/high school. Please feel free to come, especially Saturday. We will be starting around 10 a.m. and will be going till all events have been judged in the evening.

You can contact Dr. Paul McElligott at 480-664-5573 (school) or email me at pmcelligott@fhusd.org with questions or to volunteer.