Camille’s Academy cops top prize in VYC’s Annual Robotic Competition

Aug 16, 2022 News

– St. Rose’s High School places 2^nd two times in a row

Kaieteur News – Five schools walked away with trophies and prizes after securing top spots at the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) Annual Robotics Competition held on Friday last.

Camille’s Academy Inc. students surrounded by teachers, VYC staff and judges of the competition after wining first prize for their robotics design.

St. Rose’s High School students with VYC staff and well-wishers after securing 2nd place.

VYC is a non-profit organisation that has implemented the STEM Programme for over a decade at 17 high schools in Regions Three and Four. The programme is funded by ExxonMobil. Annually, the non-profit hosts a grand robotics competition, where students get to showcase their skills and creativity. Last Friday’s contest culminated a five-week long robotics summer programme where 17 secondary schools were part of a training camp at the VYC newly renovated Durban Backlands facility.

This year, Camille’s Academy Inc. copped the 1^st place in addition to the winning prizes for Best Engineering and Design and Programming Competency. The school competed against seven other top secondary schools. St. Rose’s High placed 2^nd which is a repeat from last year’s competition. The school also secured an additional two trophies for best presentation and innovation/creativity.

Westminster Secondary from the West Bank Demerara placed 3^rd. Additionally, Tucville Secondary secured a trophy for outstanding Teamwork and a Mixed Team encompassing students from St. John’s College, Diamond Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, New Campbellville and New Central High received the trophy for Best Environmental Project Design.

The Robotics Competition which falls under VYC’S STEM afterschool Programme is usually held during the July/August period as well as other annual events including: STEM Conference and Camps. Seventeen secondary schools participated in this year’s robotics training and competition which commenced on July 11, 2022.

Participating schools in Region Four include: St. Rose’s High School, St. John’s College, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, New Central High School, Dolphin Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary School, Brickdam Secondary, Tucville Secondary, New Campbellville Secondary, Christ Church Secondary and VYC Academy. Participating schools in Region Four also include Friendship Secondary and Diamond Secondary. Participating schools in Region Three include Westminster Secondary School, Leonora Secondary, West Demerara Secondary and Vergenoegen Secondary School. Notably, Camille’s Academy Inc., a private school—was a first time participant in this year’s VYC robotics workshop and competition. During a series of weekly workshops, an approximated 86 students across 12 high schools benefitted from introduction to Building and Programming of the Lego Mindstorm EV3 Robots. In a release, VYC congratulated the participating schools and winners of the competition. The group also extended sincere thanks to all six judges who were instrumental in selecting the top performing schools.