KINGMAN, Ariz. – Money was awarded Friday to two robotics teams by the Mohave County Board of Supervisors and the Community Development crew to be used for equipment or whatever their needs are before the end of this calendar year.
Board Chair Travis Lingenfelter said $24,784, money left from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to rescue those who struggled financially from the COVID pandemic, would be split between the two teams – Roaring Robotics and the Bionic Bulldogs. Community Services said they had four awards to give – two for individuals and two for teams. Individuals will receive $225 and each team will receive $1,625.
Lingenfelter reminded the high school students that the funds must be spent by Dec. 31.
Lead mentor Jody Schanaman for Roaring Robotics B.J. Maticic, said they have qualified for state the last eight years, and for two consecutive years have qualified for world competitions against 600 teams.
“The first year, we finished 86th,” Maticic said. “The second year, we finished 48th.”
Both Lingenfelter and Schanaman reminded the teams to always remember to give back to their communities, no matter where they settled after college, although they said they hope they would return to Kingman.
“I hope some of you guys come back to Kingman,” Lingenfelter said. “You are the future of Kingman. We need smart people like you to build our community.”
“We’re very grateful to the community. The first time we qualified for world (competitions), we had three weeks to come up with almost $20,000. I never thought it would happen. The thought that this community would back us, the government to back us is a testament to what you guys offer our community. I think it’s just great. I appreciate all that,” said Maticic.
Next competitions will be in November.
