By David Fleet

Editor

St. Louis-Truck Town Thunder, FRC #68 robotics team were among 600 that competed April 27-30 at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST, World Championship at the Edward Jones Dome.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology is an international youth organization that operates the robotics competition.

The Truck Town Thunder, were selected from more than 3,000 FIRST teams from 24 countries. The team reached the world event for the fifth consecutive year after a four month season and following a strong performance at the Michigan State Championship April 14-16 in Grand Rapids. The Brandon team was among 78 Michigan teams that qualified for the World Championship. In addition, Truck Town Thunder earned the Engineering Inspiration Award which included a check for $5,000 to cover the cost of the competition.

More than 40,000 spectators attended the four day event where the Truck Town Thunder, comprised of students from Brandon and Holly high schools,  finished in the top 256 teams in the world. The team finished the competition 6-4-0 and were eliminated in the world quarter-finals.

“We had a great showing at the world competition,” said Andrew Spiece, team mentor. “We’re up against the best in the world, it’s an honor to be there and a tribute to a lot of hard work from students, sponsors and parents.”