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POHNPEI (Habele)
— Students robotics clubs from six high schools across Pohnpei State
gathered on May 1 for the FSM capital’s first-ever Robo Day. Each team
fielded a robot that they built, programmed and customized to compete on a

customized course. Drivers raced their robots through timed rounds,
battling to gain points by pushing, dropping, and throwing tennis balls
into the other teams’ side of the court.


Students, teachers, principals and community members gathered to cheer on
the students in the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School gymnasium,
enthusiastically clapping and cheering for a point earned, or a strategic
movement of the robots.


After the dust settled on preliminary rounds, semifinals, and a nail-biting
tie in the finals, Nanpei Memorial High School emerged as the Pohnpei Robo
Day champions. The newly minted champions went home with a trophy and a
first-place banner to display in their school. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic
High School’s team clinched the second-place win, with Pohnpei Island
Central School finishing third.


Even as students packed up their robots after a long day of competition,
the expectation for another chance to exhibit their skills was evident,
with many asking when they would get to test their abilities against teams
from other Micronesian states.


Prior to this year, robotics was unknown by these students. Through a
partnership with the Office of Insular Affairs, Habele provided equipment,
training and support for the new Pohnpei Robo League. Initially developed
in Yap, the Habele Robo league now includes students in Chuuk as well as
Pohnpei, serving three of the four FSM states.


“We are incredibly proud of the students,” says Matt Coleman, executive
director of Habele. “They are mastering the technologies of the future; and
doing it with excitement and a hunger for more. It’s a privilege to be
partnering with them. We can’t wait to see students in Kosrae enjoying the
same opportunities.”


Participating clubs will continue to pursue a deeper understanding of the
technology, as well as strengthening partnerships with peers at other
schools. Bonds between Robo Clubs in neighboring states continue to
develop. Already this year, a team of student instructors from Yap traveled
to Chuuk and Pohnpei states to help coach their peers in preparation for
their first Robo Day competitions.


Established by former Peace Corps volunteers, Habele is a U.S.-based
nonprofit, advancing educational access and accomplishment across
Micronesia.

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