Nathan Whitlow prepares for competition during the BEST event at ASU on Oct. 31

BIANCA GARCIA – Hoof Prints Staff

On Oct. 31,  robotics competed against 19 other teams from across Arkansas and Tennessee at ASU in the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) robotics competition. At the competition they captured the BEST award for the fourth consecutive year. The BEST award is given to the team with the best engineering notebook, oral presentation, booth display, sportsmanship and spirit.

The robotics team also won the founders award for its second consecutive year. This award is given to the team whose robot design demonstrates the most creative and innovative concepts. In addition, the team also won first place in the areas of best CAD drawing (Computer Assisted Drawing), and elegant design.

“Our students stood out among the others in that they showed an attitude of sportsmanship, citizenship and respect,” Steve Brummett said. Debbie Olive, junior high counselor and English teacher, and Steve Brummett, Algebra I and II/Calculus/Advanced Math teacher, were named “Robotics Teachers of the Year.” The team will travel to Ft. Smith in December to compete against teams from 11 other states.

This year’s competition involved a knowledge of chemistry. The team’s robot must gather and combine molecules to form one of four chemical reactions. BIC named its robot “Mr. Ego,” an acronym for “Molecule Retrieving-Energy Garthering Operator.”  After its fifth place finish at ASU in the robot competiton, the team plans to make some modifications and spend more time practicing driving the robot before the December competition.

The team is made up of 20 students in grades 9-12. The team meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The team is interested in making presentations to other schools or civic organizations that might be interested in the BEST program. If interested, contact Debbie Olive or Steve Brummett at junior high.