Whether it is the smell of brick dust or working with robots, Mike Dorsey enjoys the competition. Since stepping down as the Happy Valley High School softball head coach, the middle school instructor still delves into the competitive nature of activities.
Needless to say, when the opportunity arose to spearhead the robotics program at Happy Valley Middle School, the answer from Dorsey was a no-brainer.
“We have nine students total, and this is a branch of our STEM program,” he told the Elizabethton Star Monday. “They came to me during my planning period, and it just went from there. It’s been fun for me. I love the competition but it’s the unexpected that still gets me. “
Zach Stephens, Hailey Crawford, Koke Havner, Adam Sheppard, Eli Phillips, Lucas Chausse, Autumn Lyons, Cayden Campbell and Cameron Buck make up the initial group of students part of the HVMS Robotics Team.
Stephens, Crawford, Havner and Sheppard were busy Monday visiting the high school with their two robots, “Warwick” and “Doc,” and showcasing what the mechanical pieces have to offer.
“Zach was really the one that pushed to get the program in place,” Dorsey said. “We visited the high school today and wanting to show the school the robots. The students are hoping to have the chance to continue this going into high school.”
It’s an interesting scenario for the Warrior crew. Happy Valley Middle is the only Carter County school that has a robotics program in place.
Throughout the day, the students converge inside Dorsey’s room during his planning period and work with the robots. The team is gearing up for an upcoming event in Jefferson City where the team will make its debut against other competitors.
With the popularity of shows like “Battlebots,” students aren’t duking it out with other robots. The mechanical pieces work in a specific event, and the students go through different aspects throughout a game, including troubleshooting and maneuvering the robots in the hopes of coming away with the top prize.
“There’s a chance we can even make it to a world competition,” Dorsey added.
The teacher added the students have enjoyed the new addition of the team and there are sponsorship opportunities available for community members looking to assist the program.
Anybody seeking to make a contribution can visit the Happy Valley Middle School website (sites.google.com/a/carterk12.net/hvms-robotics-team/support-hvms-robotics) or call the school at (423) 547-4070.