School robotics program gets a boost from Rotary Club

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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For 15 years, the Sault North Rotary Club has conducted its "Trip of the Month" fundraiser. From the draw's proceeds, the club funds, among other initiatives, youth leadership development, psychological assessments for children, and school breakfast programs in partnership with USW LU 2251. Most recently, Neil McLean, president of Rotary Club of SSM North presented $5,000 to Algoma District School Board’s Robotics program. Rotary has made a commitment of donating this amount for three years. To learn more about Rotary and the Sault North Club, click here.

Algoma District School Board’s chair Jennifer Sarlo and director of education Lucia Reece gratefully accepted the donation from Neil McLean, president, Rotary Club of Sault Ste Marie North during the Jan. 16 Board meeting. They shared that this donation will go a long way to support the ADSB robotics program. Quite often ADSB teams secure spots in competitions outside of the Algoma District. This funding will be very helpful in supporting travel to regional, provincial and in some instances national and world robotics competitions. 

The cheque presentation followed an overview of ADSB’s most recent VEX IQ Robotics Challenge which was held in SSM on Jan. 9. Students from Boreal French Immersion Public School, FH Clergue French Immersion Public School, Korah Intermediate and Korah C&VS joined ADSB teacher Mark Carlucci at the Board meeting to share how they have enjoyed taking part in robotics. Many spoke about enjoying the cooperation and collaboration that is a signature part of robotics.  Others shared that taking part in robotics has helped them to build confidence in speaking publicly, as part of the competition requires them to take part in an interview.   

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