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The 2011 North Branch-Chisago Lakes FIRST Robotics team held their end of season awards banquet and team awards were handed out. Six seniors were recognized for their contributions to the program. "Anytime you start a new program, you need strong individuals to get it started and headed in the right direction. We are losing a total of 15 years of experience when these seniors leave our program. The success our program has had is because of them and the time and dedication they have shown since they joined the program," commented mentor Becky Leuer. Tomy Cummings (NB), Evan Freeman (CL), and Andrew Lebens (NB) have been with the program since it started in 2009 while Kyle Hultquist (CL), Elizabeth Ries (NB), and Sam Todd (CL) have been in the program for two years.

"Without mentors, this program would not be possible. Participation in this program is 100% voluntary although you do get a t-shirt and a hat," noted Mentor Scott Frischmon. Mentors recognized at the banquet included Tim Courant, Barb Cummings, Ken Cummings, Scott Frischmon, Jon Gamble, David Johnson, Anne Lawrence, and Becky Leuer.

Other letter winners include Stephanie Babou (NB), Elliot Courant (CL), Carl Fisk (NB), Araya Gamble (CL), Noah Hubbard (NB), Grant Hyslop (NB), Jake Jerrard (CL), Logan Lange (CL), Andy Lawrence (NB), Emily Lawrence (NB), Josh Magnuson (CL), Marjorie Otto (NB), Alex Peka (NB), Michael Stephens (NB), and Evan Weiler (CL).

The evening included a slide show and scrapbook of season activities, a demonstration of the minibot, and a chance to examine the robot.

Anyone interested in joining the team next year as a student or a mentor is encouraged to contact the team. "There are many opportunities for those involved in a robotics team such as marketing, photos, designing, and building. No previous experience is necessary." Team 3038 will be having a summer camp to learn about the basics of building a robot and a second track designed to learn more advanced skills. Contact Becky Leuer at [email protected] for more information.

Pictured: senior members of Team 3038 Chisago Lakes-North Branch FIRST Robotics team: Tomy Cummings (NB), Evan Freeman (CL), Kyle Hultquist (CL), Andrew Lebens (NB), and Elizabeth Ries (NB). Missing is Sam Todd (CL).

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