Last Monday, the LigerBots held our annual awards night to celebrate the team’s year. Parents and sponsors were invited to a potluck dinner in a beautifully decorated Newton South cafeteria. During the after-dinner ceremonies, the mentors got a standing ovation, and students were given unique awards based on their year-long contribution. Everybody got their medals for making it to finals in the Greater Boston District Event last April.

The distinguished students (and their respective awards) were, in no particular order, Mark: “Stepping Up” for most improvement; Samy: “Wizard of Wiring,” for all her work on the electrical component of the robot, Matthew H.: “For the Good of the Order,” for organizing scouting at competitions: Jiaming: “Outstanding Player,” for all his work fixing machines in our wood and metal shop; Misha: “Stepping Up,” for most improvement; Arushi: “Exceptional Leadership,” for being a fantastic technical leader; Ali: “Rookie Inspiration,” for his hard work on many projects;  Douglas: “Gracious Professionalism” for his work on the Chairman’s Award submission, Ian: “Lifetime Achievement,” for his four years of contributions to the team: Vivek: “Cooperation,” for being a good team player, Jordan Y.: “For the Good of the Order” for organizing scouting, Sophia: “Recruitment” for her success in bringing new team members onboard; Asa: “Outstanding Leadership,” for his willingness to work on any project, and AJ: “Rookie All-Star,” for doing so much work her first year.

Cameron, Ian, and Doug were also honored for their service as team executives during  2017/18.

Mentors Greer and Pam were given awards for their outstanding work with the team this past year. Thanks to coach Kraus for organizing our awards night!

Even though we are in the middle of final exams, the LigerBots have two outreach events during the week coming up. On Sunday, June 17 we will be at a station near Newton City Hall from 9:00-12:00 during the Tour de Newton bicycling event. On Wednesday, June 20, we will host an information night for parents and children interested in joining the FIRST LEGO League program for children in grades 4-8. This will be held in the Newton North High School Film Lecture Hall from 7:00-8:30. There will be lots of information for parents about how to start an FLL team, and there will be fun activities for their children. Please join us at these events!