CCS students are excited about their success at the FIRST Tech Challenge, South Carolina State Championship, held earlier this week at South Carolina State University.  The Mechanical Minotaurs team, composed of students Carlos Rodriguez, Hayes Crumbley, Andrew Bertsch, Daniel Suarez, and Grady Higgins obtained second place during the elimination phase to advance to the semi-final round of the contest.  Teams were challenged by completing tasks with the robot running during autonomous and driver-controlled periods.

FIRSTwas founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest in science and technology.  FIRST Tech Challenge became an official part of FIRST in 2006.  The organization's mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

The Charleston Collegiate team is guided by faculty member Maria Suarez.  Other members of the team that could not be present the day of the competition are Eliza Limehouse, Emily Smith, and Becky Pockrus.  This is the first time a Charleston Collegiate team has competed in the contest.  Congratulations!