District 214's WildStang robotics team meeting with state officials

Northwest Suburban High School District 214's WildStang robotics team will participate in the 25th annual TECH 2016 Students for the Information Age to show the public and state lawmakers the creative ways technology is being used to enhance and accelerate student achievement in Illinois schools.

The event will be held on Tuesday, May 10, at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield. More than 100 schools will be represented from throughout the state. Students will demonstrate their use of technology in the Capitol Building Rotunda.

The WildStang Robotics team will demonstrate the Miss Maker Fair, an event designed by District 214 high school students to encourage middle school girls to become interested in STEM careers. Representing the WildStang Team are junior Lauren Anfenson, senior Tim Bouraoui, senior Veronica Boratyn and team leader Mark Koch.

The purpose of TECH 2016 is to raise awareness of the critical role technology plays in preparing students to succeed in today's world, and to show the need for increased funding for classroom technology.

According to TECH 2016 co-chairwoman Deb Balayti, understanding computers and related technology tools is a requirement for high school and college graduates and computer literacy is essential for further education and advancement in almost every academic sphere. From the elementary to the high school level, technology expands the walls of the traditional classroom, bringing in people and events from all over the globe.

TECH 2016 is a not-for-profit initiative presented by Illinois Computing Educators and is supported by a broad range of education and business organizations.