YKK AP sponsors FIRST Robotics Team, “The ThunderBotz,” for third consecutive year

On February 22, 2018 Dublin-Lauren’s FIRST Robotics Team, “The ThunderBotz,” hosted an open house to unveil their latest project to the public. For the past six weeks, students and volunteers have been working tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming FIRST Robotics competition taking place in mid-March. Students’ excitement was evident throughout the night as they showcased the newly built robot.

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Dublin-Laurens’ FIRST Robotics team’s mains sponsor is YKK AP, and mentors come from different local industries. The ThunderBotz mentors include employees of YKK AP, Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Husqvarna, Georgia Tech and parents.

As members of the robotics team, students learn engineering, computer programming and design skills, as well as various aspects of working as a team. “I’ve learned different skills that help me prepare for the career I want in the future,” shares Blythe McCoy, team member and Ambassador of Business Administration for The ThunderBotz.

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Toby Gould, Director of Finance at YKK AP, has been involved in the project for the past three years. His role has changed from being a facilitator to now being an advocate for the team in the community. “I see my role here as being an ambassador for YKK and being a positive influence for the students,” shared Gould.

The ThunderBotz are now focusing on the fundraising part of their program. They will be raising additional money that will go towards their participation at the Georgia FIRST Robotics competition March 8-10 in Dalton, GA.

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Watch our video recap of the event:

To find out more about the competition visit: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc