The Smoky Mountain Academic Robotics Team (SMART) achieved remarkable success at the Mecklenburg District FIRST Robotics Competition, held in Charlotte from March 22-24. They were honored with the prestigious Impact Award, which is considered the highest recognition at FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) events. This award acknowledges the team that best exemplifies the mission of FIRST, serving as a role model for other teams by promoting science and technology among youth and fostering a culture of respect for these fields.
Founded in 1989, FIRST is a global organization dedicated to inspiring students of all ages to explore scientific and technological concepts through various competitions, including FIRST Lego Leagues (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). SMART, established as an FRC team in 2017, has members from Smoky Mountain High School and Jackson County Early College. Their commitment to advancing STEM education in Western North Carolina through initiatives such as robotics summer camps, establishing FLL and FRC teams, mentoring other teams, and forming partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions has earned them this prestigious award.
To apply for the Impact Award, SMART members prepared video and written applications and underwent interviews with FIRST judges. Dr. Paul Yanik, a former NCFIRST board member and FIRST Robotics Competition judge advisor, emphasized the significance of this achievement, highlighting that it reflects the team’s sustained performance over the years.
SMART is led by mentors Ty Dengler and Larissa Miller, with support from WCU students and FIRST alumni Elvis Perez Galarza and Taleigh Verrault. Community members and faculty from Western Carolina University also provide support to the team.
In addition to their success at the Mecklenburg District event, SMART reached the finals and secured second place in the alliance at the Asheville District FIRST Robotics Competition held at UNC-Asheville from March 15-17. They were recognized with the Judges Award for their unique efforts, performance, and team dynamics.
SMART will now advance to the NC FIRST State Championship competition, scheduled for April 5-7 at East Carolina University. Visit their website at SMART – SMART Team 6932 (weebly.com)
