#Thanks2BESTrobotics
These are the testimonials our team has received from current members, coaches, alumni, and community leaders.
“B.E.S.T. Robotics was my favorite extracurricular throughout my high school career. A lot of the engineering processes I am learning in my college engineering class I have already learned while building a robot through B.E.S.T. Robotics. I also met several good friends through B.E.S.T. Robotics who I still talk to today. It was a great experience each year and I would absolutely recommend B.E.S.T. Robotics to any high schooler I know who is interested in engineering.”
-Teddy Heinen, THE Alumnus
“Current Events marks my sixth BEST competition. All of the competitions have been different, and I always look forward to the next one. Robotics has been a great experience for me and has taught me a lot about STEM.”
-Joshua Williams, THE Team Member and CPO
“BEST Robotics is a great program. It teaches kids critical thinking and problem solving skills that they will use the rest of their lives.”
-Chris Plumlee, Fire Captain
“I absolutely loved the robotics program. I met so many amazing friends during competitions, and learned a love for science. Before robotics, I didn’t have much of a care for the STEM program, but now I’m going to college to become a radiologist, a career I learned about during my time on my robotics team.”
-Catie Flood, THE Alumnus
“Robotics can be a life altering experience for youth who embrace the process and get involved by rolling up their sleeves and doing what they can to help their team. I’ve seen introverted, quiet and shy kids transform into rock stars when they find themselves in their element. Robotics provides a platform where kids of all ages, experience and ability can thrive. The most exciting six weeks of the year!”
-Larren Smoot, Former THE Coach
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. The students are stretched to think outside the box and work together to solve problems in creative ways. It’s fun to see them so excited about learning!”
-Leandra Williams, THE Mom
“I am the father of three children that have participated in robotics on the T.H.E. team, and I have witnessed the very positive impact that it has had on them, instilling not just the building of the robot but the entire engineering process ever working towards the “BEST” achievement. I even helped to teach and train these students on the presentation team. Their creativity and details in this area made the entire experience a more well-rounded one for all. Whether the team achieved an award or progressed in their position during competition, their experience was never dimmed, but strengthened to try to be better and improve next year. What other program offers this positively encouraging and learning experience in our education process today.”
-Webster Crocker, Community Theater Director
“I’ve been a Scoutmaster for three years, and many of my Scouts have been involved in BEST Robotics. These Scouts consistently demonstrate higher levels of initiative, responsibility, and problem-solving than their peers. BSA strongly supports STEM. Of the original 57 merit badges, 8 of them – including Chemistry, Electricity, Invention, and Machinery – were STEM related. Today, BSA has an entire “STEM Scouting” program, distinct STEM-related NOVA awards, and over two dozen STEM-related merit badges. I encourage all of my Scouts to explore fields in science, technology, engineering, and math through programs like BEST Robotics.”
-Robert Williams, BSA Troop 15 scoutmaster