Holly High School robotics team kicks into high gear on world stage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377

Holly High School robotics team kicks into high gear on world stage
Team Hollywood Robotics competes at FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston April 19-22

HOLLY, Mich. – Team Hollywood Robotics, Holly High School’s robotics team, competed alongside 640 student robotics teams from around the globe — and held their own — at last week’s FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our entire team, which continues to progress every year and now has the distinction of competing alongside teams from around the world,” said Jack Hawley, Team Hollywood’s coach. “Team Hollywood Robotics, through their enthusiasm and success on the competition field, continues to encourage younger Bronchos to get involved with our program and learn the magic of robotics as a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activity. Lights, Camera, HOLLYWOOD!”

The team faced tough challenges early on, and finished 47th out of 80 teams on their field in the qualifying rounds. The team fought hard in the playoffs, making it to the third round with their allied team and finishing in sixth place overall on their field.

The team’s performance in Houston follows a strong showing at the Michigan State Robotics Competition at Saginaw Valley State University earlier this month. The team won 10 of 12 qualifying matches at the statewide competition, landing a spot in the world championship. Team Hollywood Robotics also received the Quality Award at the state competition for demonstrating the ingenuity of its robot, Pete Stop.

Team captain Zander Svenkesen, who drove the robot at the world championship, has received a robotics scholarship to Kettering University. He has competed with the robotics team since his freshman year. 

“I would definitely attribute my future goals and successes to Team Hollywood Robotics,” Svenkesen said. “Through designing, programming, driving and more, I have learned the importance of teamwork and communication, and it was exciting bringing those skills to the competition field last week. As a future mechanical engineer, I hope to face challenges and obstacles with the same determination and grit that I’ve learned through competitive robotics.”

The world competition in Houston capped a season for the record books for Team Hollywood. The team ended the season ranked 187 out of 3,286 teams worldwide, 169 out of 2,687 teams in the United States and 32 out of 477 teams in Michigan.

“I’d like to personally congratulate Team Hollywood Robotics for an amazing season and for advancing to the world championship,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “Team members learn teamwork, problem-solving and leadership through competition that serve them for a lifetime. Our robotics program is one of many STEM opportunities at Holly Area Schools that help prepare our students for success and the jobs of the future.”

###

Learn more about Holly Area Schools by visiting www.hask12.org, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.  

Team Hollywood Robotics arrives in Houston for the FIRST Robotics World Championship.

Hollywood Robotics at Worlds