ABOVE: The Fairmont High School Robotics team. Front row, from left: Ainsley Malo, Amanda Poetter, Kaylee Nelson. Second row, from left: Isaac Sheard, Sam Grogin, Jacob Kastning, Alex Kastning, Isaac Stone, Emma Jerred. Third row, from left: Illy Kelley, Jacob Murphy, Noah Wolner, Gabby Thoeny, Colton Anderson. Fourth row, from left: Isaac Laidig, Ben Moeller, Wylee Frederiksen, Jake Ehlert, Max Poetter, Clark Hazard. Not pictured: Hudson Laven and Matthew Malo. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Robotics team, “The Megahertz Team 2847” is making waves this season. Over twenty tenacious robotic specialists– guided by coaches Sam Viesselman and Celia Simpson– are competing with other schools to rise to the top. This weekend, the Robotics team will be competing for a chance to advance to the world championship.

“Every student specializes in different roles. We try to value teamwork, Viesselman said. “Going into making this machine, you can’t do it by yourself. No individual can do it. You have to support each other. You have to divide and conquer. More brains is more power.”

From building the machine to graphic design to assisting with fundraisers, the robotics team provides q role for everyone to flock to. Viesselman explained that with or without experience, there’s a place in robotics that calls a person’s name.

The robot the students are operating can pick up and throw a hoop-shaped object into a given target to score points, also possessing fluidity and smooth movement under the student’s control. Under the rules of competition, students are tasked to put their teamwork skills to the test, using their built and programmed machine to play a difficult challenge against their competitors. Viesselman went on to explain how everyone supports each other in the competition.

“We want to keep expanding our knowledge base. Each year, our robots have gotten better, better and better. We’re on track to make the best we’ve ever built,” Viesselman added. The team previously faced the obstacle in previous years of robots not exceeding expectations regarding reliability, but their collaboration as a team has made them confident this year.

Amanda Poetter is a member of robotics and a senior at Fairmont High. Poetter has been involved in the extracurricular club since her sophomore year of high school when she was approached directly by one of the coaches. After her graduation, she explained her plan is to study Psychology at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Isaac Sheard is another member of robotics, and also a senior at Fairmont High. Sheard began his journey in robotics in ninth grade, making this his fourth year in FHS robotics, and his third year as a captain. After graduation, Sheard mentioned his desire to major in aerospace engineering with a minor in robotics.

Poetter and Sheard both explained how their personal goals this year for the team center around the people within, and the strong familial bond that was created among the team.

“I want to set the team up for success for the future. I’ve seen this team grow from nothing, and the team is something I cherish. Whether it’s friendships I made, connections I’ve made or how much I’ve learned. It’s a place I’ve learned to be myself. I won’t ever forget that,” said Sheard.

“I want to get new students on the team and set their own goals for the upcoming season,” Poetter said.

Both students spoke of the significance they saw in their team.

“It has a lot to do with getting to know your community and growing connections. It’s nice watching the younger students grow. I really enjoyed getting to bring STEM into the community and the youth. The team also becomes a second family, from late-night practices to competitions,” Poetter said.

“I say every day, ‘Hey, you should join robotics’. It’s something that’s going take you anywhere. Do you want to do something amazing? Join robotics,” Sheard said.

“There’s a spot for everyone on the team,” Poetter added.

Fairmont Robotics has seen much success and growth. The team itself has seen much more growth in member count. Last year, the team claimed the title of champion at the State competition and traveled to Houston, Texas to participate in the World championship. Regarding future goals and aspirations, Fairmont Robotics hopes more students can be inspired to participate, bring more to the team, and continue to learn more to cultivate their craft.

“If you come with a passion or a desire to learn, that’s all it really takes,” said Viesselman.