The ‘Iolani Roboraiders represented Hawaii at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) World Festival in Atlanta this past Thursday and Friday. Red team members: Cameron Dye (9th grade), Michael Dang (8), Timothy Ho (8), Jason Loui (7), Blake Tsuzaki (7), and Alex Young (5) gave an energetic presentation, the “Power Pyramid Show.” The show involved the judges with questions about the team’s analysis of the energy usage at Atlantis Seafood Restaurant. The Red team met with teamwork judges and shared their technical knowledge of the NXT robot they built. They scored a team high 385 of 400 points on the robot challenges, which placed them 27th out of 81 teams.
Also attending the World Festival were Black team members: Lauren Faris (9th), Erin Main (8), Logan Davis (7), Kyle Flores (7), Markus Osterlund-Koga (7), Kevin Suzuki (7), Spencer Wakahiro (7), and Matthew Motooka (5). They spread the Aloha Spirit by trading buttons, sharing macadamia nut chocolates and cookies, and giving away fresh orchids, anthuriums, and note pads. They met students from all over the United States and 30 other countries.
Everyone performed the Hukilau at the talent show. When asked for volunteers, an overwhelming number of children swarmed the stage to participate in the dance.
Special recognition and thanks go to Winston Dang, Vivian Flores, Margo Edwards, Debbie Wakahiro and Dr. Mark Lindsay for their tireless effort to make the team and trip a huge success.
