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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, March 11, 2016 | 14 St. Mildred's all-girls robotics team sparks NASA's interest by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School's (SMLS) all-girls robotics team has come a long way from its humble beginnings nearly 15 years ago when there were only two members on it. In fact, as International Women's Day was celebrated Tuesday (March 8), SWAT 771 has caught the attention -- and support -- of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). SWAT 771 now boasts 51 members from Grades 9-12 and has garnered a number of awards over the years, including the FIRST Robotics Engineering Inspiration Award, which it earned last year at the FIRST Robotics world championships. Coveted award Winning the coveted award also helped the team become one of four groups that have been recognized by NASA as a role model team that demonstrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team's school and community. NASA is paying the registration fees for selected teams to attend the 2016 FIRST Championship taking place April 27-30 in St. Louis, Mo. Noting the team represents those who might be under-represented in robotics competitions, she said the team is leading by example and hoping to encourage other girls to get involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. Return home with two FIRST awards SWAT 771 recently returned home with two awards from the FIRST Robotics Canada (FRC) Greater Toronto Central Regional competition held at Ryerson University in Toronto March 3-5. The team won the Entrepreneurship Award while team member Vicky Wang was recognized with the FIRST Dean's List Finalist Award. The Entrepreneurship Award recognizes a team that has developed a strong business plan to scope, manage, and achieve team objectives while demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit. Wang, a Grade 11 student received the FIRST Dean's List Finalist Award, which celebrates outstanding student leaders whose passion for FIRST ideals is exemplary. Sils, who teaches Grades 7 and 8 math and science at SMLS, said she is pleased with its showing at the annual competition, which pits student-created robots against one another in a game where the robots see SWAT 771 on p.16 The St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (SMLS) all-girls robotics team, sponsored by NASA, is heading to the world championships in Missouri this April. | photo courtesy St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School Sarah Sils, one of two lead robotics mentors and SMLS teachers, told the Oakville Beaver Monday (March 7) the school's all-girls robotics team is the rst Canadian team to be sponsored by NASA, a recognition they are proud to have. Celebrate everything Gaming Video Game · Play the latest video games · meet pro gamers and Youtube celebrities · Check out the coolest gaming and tech exhibitors Exhibitors and vendors from across Canada, including: at the eglx CREATE YOUR DREAM EXPO! h t a B r o n e Kitch MegTurney,Cosplayer& RoosterTeethStar Canada's LARGEST Video Game EXPO! Over 80,000sq. ft. of great gaming attractions! International Centre - Hall 6, Mississauga 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE | QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP | CUSTOM DESIGNS Play with your friends on the latest games in a free to play area provided by WorldGaming Call for a Free Estimate For tickets and tournament registration, visit eglx.ca In partnership with 905-844-3332 Visit our showroom: 333 Wyecroft Rd. Unit 3, Oakville www.aromakitchens.ca