The Lighthouse
Volume 2 / Issue 4
FRC Team 9072, the TigerBots from Chesapeake Science Point High School, is not your ordinary robotics team. The TigerBots are a powerhouse of passion, innovation, and determination. After an electrifying victory at the Chesapeake District Event in Severn, MD, the TigerBots continued defying expectations and elevated their game to the global stage. In just their second year of competition, this extraordinary team demonstrated what young minds can achieve with dedication and teamwork, charging to an impressive 4th place finish at the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) World Championship in Houston, Texas!
FRC by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an internationally acclaimed robotics competition that challenges students to design, build, and program robots to compete in complex tasks while emphasizing the ideals of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®. Participating in FRC offers students a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in engineering and technology fields, gaining invaluable real-world experience and preparing for careers in STEM. This year's competition game 'Crescendo,' sponsored by Haas and developed by FIRST, required teams to work collaboratively to gather game pieces called ‘notes’ and score by placing them in their ‘speaker’ during fast-paced and often intense game conditions. The game required engineering and programming skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork. The TigerBots, guided by Team Captain Megan Yeager and Lead Mentor David Kravets, showcased their innovative strategies and technical prowess, navigating the complexities of 'Crescendo' with precision and ingenuity.
The TigerBots launched their 2024 season with a remarkable victory at the CHS District Severn MD Event in Severn. From the outset, they demonstrated their readiness to compete, showcasing the capabilities of their robot, Sonic, and the effectiveness of their strategies. Carrying this momentum into the CHS District Owings Mills MD Event in Timonium, they further solidified their reputation with an impressive Event Finalist, 3rd-place finish, underscoring their consistency and competitive edge. This set the stage for their next challenge at the Chesapeake District Championship in Petersburg, Virginia.
At the Chesapeake District Championship in Virginia, the TigerBots faced their toughest competition yet. Despite not securing a top placement, their strong performance earned them a spot at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. Their robot's innovative design and superior engineering earned the team the District’s Industrial Design Award sponsored by General Motors. With months of hard work and determination behind them, the TigerBots were poised to showcase their capabilities on an international platform. This next phase of competition promised to test their skills and strategies against the world’s best teams.
At the World Championship, the TigerBots competed in the Hopper Division, one of eight preliminary divisions. They excelled, clinching victory in their division and earning a coveted spot in the intense Einstein Division, which featured the top alliance from each of the eight divisions, representing the best of the best in the global competition.
The TigerBots, alongside their alliance partners Mechanical Advantage 6328, Team Rembrandts 4481, and Team IBots 2370, delivered a strong performance, navigating through several highly competitive matches. In a nail-biting final match that had spectators on the edge of their seats, the alliance narrowly missed victory with a final score of 178-155, securing an impressive fourth-place finish. This thrilling conclusion to their journey at the World Championship showcased their exceptional season and solidified their reputation as a formidable team in the fiercely competitive international arena of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).
Stay tuned for what next season holds for this incredible team as they aim to reach even greater heights and inspire more students to explore the limitless possibilities of STEM. Congratulations to the TigerBots, Team 9072! We are proud of you!
Season 2024 Awards:
District Event Winner, CHS District Severn MD Event
Woodie Flowers Award Semi-Finalist (David Kravets), CHS District Severn MD Event
District Championship Dean's List Semi-Finalist (Megan Yeager), CHS District Severn MD Event
District Event Finalist, CHS District Owings Mills MD Event
FIRST Dean's List Finalist Award (Megan Yeager), Chesapeake District Championship
Industrial Design Award sponsored by General Motors, Chesapeake District Championship
Championship Division Winner, Hopper Division, FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship
Einstein Field Participant record of 2-2-0, FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship
Be sure to support the TigerBots as they continue to showcase their talents and passion for robotics!
May 4th - Cyber Saturday @ Technology Advancement Center’s The Link in Columbia, MD
May 11th - Naptown Music Feast @t the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on May
- Submitted by Ms. Wilson, FRC 9072 Business/Media Mentor
Elaine Blair - CMIT South Elementary
Mrs. Blair is a grandparent volunteer. She has answered the call to support K-3 lunches, and three days a week, she can be found greeting our youngest Tigers in the Cafeteria with a smile. She helps them get in line, open up packaging, and move in orderly lines.
Mrs. Blair has been an integral part of our school community. As a retired federal worker, she brings a wealth of life experience and a passion for helping others. Her positive attitude and consistent support have significantly impacted our students' daily routines.
Mrs. Blair's dedication to volunteering and her time and energy to support our school community is truly appreciated. Her positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are grateful for her ongoing commitment to the well-being and success of our students.
Thank you, Mrs. Blair, for your outstanding contribution to our school community. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are fortunate to have you on our team.
- Mr. Miller, Principal
Alaba Osifide - CMIT North Elementary
Mr. Alaba Osifide is an accomplished individual. He holds an associate degree in Information Systems from Prince George's Community College and a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to excellence and a passion for technology.
Beyond his academic achievements, Alaba is a dedicated family man, blessed with two lovely daughters attending CMIT Elementary and a son enrolled at CMIT Middle School. His commitment to education extends beyond his professional pursuits, as he actively engages in the academic journey of his children, fostering an environment of learning and growth within his own family.
We proudly name Alaba Osifide for the esteemed Stars Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to our school community. As a devoted parent of both a third and fifth grader, Alaba exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and commitment.
Each morning, rain or shine, Alaba selflessly volunteers his time to ensure the safety of our students as they enter the school premises, diligently directing traffic with unwavering dedication. His presence not only ensures the smooth flow of morning routines but also instills a sense of security and care among our students and staff.
Moreover, Alaba goes above and beyond by enthusiastically volunteering for field trips and actively participating in all PTO functions. Whether it's organizing events or providing support wherever needed, his tireless efforts significantly enhance our students' experiences and enrich our school community's fabric.
Alaba's role extends far beyond mere participation; he serves as a shining example of the values we aim to instill in our students. His unwavering dedication, selflessness, and passion for supporting our scholars are truly unparalleled. Through his actions, he embodies what we aspire our students to become – compassionate, engaged, and actively contributing members of society.
Given his exceptional commitment and invaluable contributions, we wholeheartedly endorse Alaba Osifide for the Stars Award. His presence uplifts our school community, and his impact resonates far and wide.
-Dr. Fryson, Principal
Hugh Clarke - CMIT North High
Mr. Clarke, a seasoned building engineer, brings a wealth of expertise to his involvement with the school and its projects. Despite not having children attend the school, Mr. Clarke's connection to the institution runs deep through family and friends who work within its walls. He recognizes the significance of supporting the administration and staff, understanding that by doing so, the benefits will shine through to the students.
With his background as a building engineer, Mr. Clarke's passion for engineering is palpable in his commitment to coaching and guiding students in building events for the school's after-school programs. He leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to mentor and support students effectively, contributing to their growth and development in STEM fields.
In addition to his mentorship role, Mr. Clarke plays a pivotal role in the school's operational aspects. He is instrumental in maintaining stockrooms, ensuring they are organized and efficiently managed. Moreover, he willingly assists with heavy lifting tasks, such as carrying purchased deliveries to teachers, thereby alleviating their workload and contributing to the smooth functioning of the school.
Furthermore, Mr. Clarke actively volunteers for field trips and undertakes maintenance tasks within school rooms, demonstrating his dedication to enriching students' educational experiences and ensuring a conducive learning environment. His leadership roles and commitment to service projects reflect his passion for supporting the school community and fostering its growth and development.
It's worth noting that Mr. Clarke has been working voluntarily for two years at the school, showcasing his enduring dedication. Additionally, his affiliation with the NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) underscores his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM education, further enhancing his contributions to the school community. Moreover, his involvement with the Tuskegee Airmen adds another layer to his dedication to serving and inspiring future generations, exemplifying his commitment to historical legacy and education.
- Dr. Clarke, Program Coordinator - STEAM
Beth Wolfe - CSP Elementary
Beth Wolfe has been selflessly giving her time to our school from the start of the school year. She is an active member of our school's PTO. She has twin daughters in Kindergarten at CSPES. We are excited to welcome her aboard next year as a Teacher's Assistant in our Pre-K 4 program.
Ms. Wolfe has spent hours to help with a variety of tasks around the building such as organizing donations, office supplies, and distributing materials to teacher's classrooms. She volunteers on days we are short staffed to assist in the cafeteria. Ms. Wolfe agreed to develop and design our yearbook on short notice and took it on without hesitation. There are many days where Ms. Wolfe's teamwork has helped make the day successful and she deserves to be recognized for her commitment to helping CSPES be a great place to work, learn, play, and volunteer!
- Ms. Schlegel, Assistant Principal
Nekeshi Hector - CMIT South Middle/High
Mrs. Nekeshi Hector wears many hats: she's a devoted mother, supportive wife, accomplished procurement specialist, and the current PTO President at CMIT South MS/HS. For over nine years, Mrs. Hector has been an integral part of the CMIT South Community, seeing all three of her children successfully matriculate through our Middle and High School programs. When she's not busy with her various roles, you'll likely find Mrs. Hector enjoying her downtime by bowling or indulging in her favorite movie, The Best Man Holiday. However, her dedication to CMIT South doesn't waver, as she tirelessly spends countless hours planning and supporting events for students, staff, and families alike. From fundraisers to Family BINGO Night, block parties, picture days, and uniform sales, Mrs. Hector's leadership shines through in every initiative she undertakes. It's clear that CMIT South MS/HS owes much of its success to the strength of its PTO, and at the heart of that strength is a remarkable leader like Mrs. Nekeshi Hector.
- Dr. Borden-McCarter, Principal
AASHTO STEM Solutions Bridge Builder Competition
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has collaborated with AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions to offer Maryland educators engaging and cost-free instructional activities. Among these, the Bridge Builder Challenge stands out as a flagship initiative. This challenge, organized by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), motivates students in engineering, specifically in bridge design and construction. It draws middle and high school students from across the U.S. to participate in hands-on projects where they design and build model bridges following specific guidelines. The objective is to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and an understanding of engineering principles while also exposing students to potential careers in transportation and civil engineering. The competition also serves to enhance STEM education and inspire future engineers and infrastructure specialists.
This year, eighteen teams were selected for the national finals, where they presented their bridges and gave a 10-minute presentation to a panel of judges. The competition was fierce, with six teams competing in three age categories: Grades 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. Maryland shone brightly, with four teams reaching the top eighteen nationally. Specifically, two teams from CMIT N MS in the Grade 7-8 category and one team each from CSP HS in the Grade 9-10 and 11-12 categories. Impressively, three of these Maryland teams placed in the top three nationally. The Little Einsteins from CMIT N MS secured 2nd place in the Grade 7-8 category. In the Grade 9-10 category, Team Make it or Break it from CSP HS won 1st place, and Just Do Something from CSP HS also captured 1st place in the Grade 11-12 category. Notably, Just Do Something earned the privilege to present at the national AASHTO conference before state transportation directors.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Bedell, recently recognized the Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School for earning the 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll Silver Level of Distinction Award. They are one of fourteen AACPS high schools that earned the honor for Advanced Placement Access and one of four recognized with the AP Honor Roll Silver Level distinction.
The AP School Honor Roll acknowledges schools with one of four distinction levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Chesapeake Science Point qualified for the AP Access Award, which celebrates schools showing a robust commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework and where the proportion of AP exam takers from underrepresented minority or low-income backgrounds reflects the school's overall demographic makeup.
To qualify for the AP School Honor Roll, schools must meet specific criteria that reflect the relationship between AP participation and college readiness:
- College Culture: At least 40% of the graduating seniors must have taken at least one AP Exam.
- College Credit: At least 25% of graduates must score a three or higher on at least one AP Exam.
- College Optimization: At least 2% of graduates must take five or more AP Exams, with one exam completed in 9th or 10th grade, to distribute the AP workload over multiple years, alleviating excessive pressure in their final school years.
Additionally, schools must maintain full-time senior enrollments.
Congratulations to the Chesapeake Science Point High School community on a job well done!
