The Kearsley robotics team, Hybrid Hornets, finished 14th at a robotics competition held at Kettering University on Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3.

The team is only one part of the large organization called FIRST Robotics. FIRST promotes STEM education while still promoting and building communication skills, self-esteem, and community awareness.

“Teams compete against each other but also pull together to help any team that needs it. Whether it’s helping them fix their robot, loaning tools (or) extra parts, or loaning a player, teams pull together to make sure all teams are able to compete,” Ms. Juli Gatica said, a mentor of Hybrid Hornets.

The Hybrid Hornets placed 14th out of the total of 40 teams and made it to the quarterfinals with their other alliance partners.

The team also was awarded the Entrepreneurship Award.

“I am extremely proud that everyone on the team did their jobs and made our first districts competition successful,” Gatica said.