Shelton Robotics team punches ticket to World Championships

SHELTON — Shelton robotics is continuing its championship tradition.

The Shelton Vipers, made up of eight students — with five from Perry Hill School and three from Shelton Intermediate School — topped the field in last weekend’s FIRST LEGO League State Tournament, finishing the top team in the state and earning a trip to the FIRST LEGO League World Championships in Houston, Texas, on April 19-23.

“Shelton robotics has a great history,” said Michele Piccolo, team advisor and longtime Shelton High teacher. “This is the 25th year for the high school Gaelhawk program which has helped to grow the FIRST LEGO League program.” “This is a group of very dedicated students and mentors who are committed to seeing this program succeed,” said Piccolo, adding that Shelton has won four state titles overall.

Teams are judged on three areas: robot design and performance; innovation project; and the core values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork and fun. Shelton had three teams in the 48-team state tournament field. The Vipers claimed the title, with the Resistors placing fourth overall and Techniq earning the Judges Award for helping others to learn coding.

“It is an honor to represent Connecticut at the

FLL World event,” said Vipers coach Paul Pilkington.

“It was great to watch the team evolve and gel this season, considering the age span across the kids and so many new members.”

Pilkington said the team had a strong research project, and the students overcame some challenges with their robot to persevere.

“I am so proud of them,” he added. “Everyone is so excited to go to Houston and we will start back up in January to make improvements and prepare for Worlds.”

All three teams had students from Perry Hill and Shelton Intermediate schools.

“The success of Shelton’s teams has a great deal to do with the coaches and mentors of these three teams,” said Laurie Vogl, head coach of the FIRST LEGO League program.