SENATE RESOLUTION 20

(By Senators Williams, Walters, Hall, Plymale, Stollings and Unger)

[Introduced February 2, 2016]

Recognizing the Putnam Area Robotics Team for its commitment to science, engineering and technology skills.

Whereas, In 2011, Winfield High School formed a team with eight students known at that time as the “RoboGens”. The team began to grow and students from other Putnam County High Schools began to opportunity to join.  Born from that was the Putnam Area Robotics Team, known as P.A.R.T.s 3492.  The team continues to be one of only four FIRST Robotics teams in West Virginia; and

Whereas, Its mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation and that foster well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication and leadership; and

Whereas, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills; and

Whereas, The P.A.R.T.s 3492 Team Accomplishments include: 2011 FIRST Robotics FRC Rookie Inspiration Award; 2014 FIRST Robotics FRC Engineering Inspiration Award;  three regional competition wins, which earned the team a trip to the FIRST Worlds Championships in St. Louis in 2011, 2014 and 2015; mentored over 400 Putnam County Students ages 5-12 with hands-on STEM Education projects, introduced over 700 elementary and middle school students in Putnam County to FIRST Robotics; created a VEX Robotics and FTC Robotics Team; and mentored FLL (First Lego League) teams in Putnam County; and

Whereas, January, 2016, brought P.A.R.T.s to the West Virginia State Capitol and the team began to participate in the legislative process. Team members met and presented on STEM Education and FIRST Robotics with delegates from Putnam County. They are continuing to follow the judicial process STEM education bills that are in current legislation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes the Putnam Area Robotics Team for its commitment to science, engineering and technology skills; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Putnam Area Robotics Team.