By Jeffries F. Epps, Staff Writer
The cheers echoed through the halls of NC A&T University as the Union County middle and high school teams triumphed as champions at the recent Game of Drones Robotics Competition held on April 27th, 2024. The event, showcasing a fusion of technology and teamwork, left participants and spectators alike in awe of the skills and camaraderie displayed.
One of the standout moments of the competition was the stellar performance of Union County’s teams, led by coach Crystal Starkes from Union County 4H. Nilpa Patel, a parent of one of the participants, Saiyam, expressed her admiration, saying, “This was the first drone event Saiyam attended. I can say that the coach for Union County 4H, Crystal Starkes, did an amazing job at teaching these skills in the short time they had.” She also praised STEMerald City for their dedication and impact, stating, “STEMerald City, high five for the energy and time you put in for this event.”
Saiyam Amin, a participant from Union County, shared his excitement, stating, “It was so much fun coding the challenges, and the suspense of who was going to win was exhilarating. This also helped me with my team-building skills and being more social.”
Colin Saureracker, another participant, echoed the sentiments of growth and learning, saying, “Game of Drones was a really fun experience. I learned a lot about coding drones. I am really looking forward to this opportunity next year!”
Parents also recognized the invaluable impact of such events on their children’s development. Erin Berardi, parent of Colin Saureracker, emphasized, “The Game of Drones was a great experience for my son. This gave him an opportunity to grow his coding skills while gaining confidence and a sense of accomplishment.”
Crystal Starkes, the 4-H Agent in Union County, highlighted the broader impact of the competition on the young participants. She remarked, “The Game of Drones was a great opportunity for the young people of Union County. These young people not only learned how to program something new, but they gained teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.”
The Game of Drones Robotics Competition not only celebrated technical prowess but also fostered personal growth and collaboration among participants. It stands as a testament to the power of innovative educational initiatives in shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.