Harding University receives Arkansas FIRST Volunteer of the Year Award

SEARCY — Harding University received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2018 Arkansas Rock City Regional FIRST Robotics Competition on March 9 in Barton Coliseum at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. Harding President Bruce McLarty accepted the award on behalf of the university. Meredith Novak, president of Arkansas FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — said the award is presented to an individual, business or organization that consistently excels in its efforts with proven results in the areas of impact, leadership, personal commitment, community and historical contributions.

“By sponsoring events, providing volunteers and partnering with FIRST Robotics, Harding University has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching students about robotics, mathematics and engineering,” state Lt. Gov. Tom Griffin said. “These skills will be critical in developing the workforce needed to fill the jobs of tomorrow, and I’m thankful for Harding University’s commitment.”

The Harding Academy robotics team Breakaway 3937 qualified for the FIRST Robotics World Championships for the sixth time in the past seven years. Several members from last year’s team traveled to Zhengzhou, China, to compete at the 2017 China Robotics Challenge July 18-30.“Just a few years ago, robotics as a field was virtually unknown at Harding Academy,” McLarty said. “Since then, our involvement in Arkansas FIRST has become an energizing component of our growth toward STEM excellence, and robotics has provided an exciting new arena in which our students can work in teams, compete and excel.”