b'Assembly RequiredNew Jersey robots get competitive at Columbia High SchoolBY ADRIANNA DONATPHOTOS BY JULIA VERDEROSACHS Senior Robotics team 7959 with its robot. Left to right: Danielle Howell, Christina Wright, Robi Huq, Mary Arevalo, Rock Huebner.A reyoureadytoRRR- from all over New Jersey. to capacity with stu-ROOOOOBOT?! The bleachers are packed Maplewood Mayor Vic De- dents, teachers, parents and even corporate observ-Luca is shouting into a micro- ers watching the action in the center of the gym. phoneandbouncingonhisThey could be mistaken for a crowd at a big sporting toes along with Deputy Mayorevent until you notice how many of them are wear-McGehee as they open ceremo- ing safety goggles. nies at the FIRST Tech Challenge State RoboticsCHS is well represented here with three teams Tournament, hosted by Columbia High School oncompeting for the state championship and a chance March 10th.to go to the FIRST World Championship in Detroit Its not often you get to see township officials thislater this year.exuberant. But here they are in the Columbia HighThis years task is to build a robot that can pick School gym with Interim Principal Kalisha Morgan,up yellow cubes and white Wiffle-type balls, sort theMayor Vic DeLuca gets the day started with Deputy Mayor Frank McGehee (left) and CHS Interim Principal infrontofhundredsofexcitedroboticsstudentsobjects, carry them over to the center dais in the com- Kalisha Morgan (right).12/ matters magazine / spring 2019'