Carmel Catholic robotics team, ranked 14 in the world, to compete at World Championship

Carmel Catholic High School's Varsity Robotics team, Not Your Average Nerds (NYAN), will compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship Competition held April 25-28 in Detroit.

NYAN Robotics enters the World Championship as the number 14 team, currently holding two of the top 10 scores in the world this season, and having finished first at the Illinois State Championship. NYAN Robotics is a third-year team competing at the World Competition for the second year in a row.

Teams are challenged to design, build, program, and test a robot to prepare for competition. There are more than 5,000 teams worldwide and more than 170 teams in Illinois. There are local, state, and national level competitions to compete at before qualifying for the World Championship.

Throughout the season, teams learn important skills based in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). According to junior Owen Kompare, the experience of being a part of NYAN has given him insight into a potential career for himself. "The aspects of engineering that are involved with NYAN have intrigued me from the start, and I know that they will lead me to a successful future in STEM," he said.

Senior Zakir Ujjainwala agrees that he has gained invaluable real-world experience through being a part of NYAN Robotics. "This team has taught me not only how to work with others in a learning environment, but also the fundamentals that are necessary for my future as an engineer," he said. "My experiences have let me understand the things necessary when working with the basic technology, parts, strategy, skills and communication."

After winning the semi-finals at the super-regional tournament in March and being the only undefeated team out of 72 going into the finals, NYAN is hoping to apply what they have learned throughout the season to perform well at the World Championship.

NYAN Robotics' mission is to not only enhance their own STEM skills but to also foster an interest in robotics and STEM within the community and at their school. NYAN hosts and participates in many community-based outreach programs and workshops, inspiring youth with their work. A directory of NYAN's team members, coaches, and activities can be found at www.nyanrobotics.com.

Learn more about the FIRST Tech Challenge at www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc.

Carmel Catholic High School is a Catholic, college preparatory and secondary school for young men and women in grades 9 through 12. Carmel Catholic provides a quality Catholic education and is committed to meeting the academic, physical, social and spiritual needs of the students it serves. Carmel Catholic is jointly sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) and the Order of Carmelites (O.Carm). Carmel Catholic is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Blue Ribbon School award by the U.S. Department of Education. The school enrolls approximately 1,300 students each year.