Today I want to recognize champions from Algoma–Manitoulin. So, let’s get ready to rumble! The Manitoulin Secondary School robotics team not only took two dean’s list semi-finalists, the North Bay event Engineering Inspiration Award, the McMaster event FIRST Impact Award and the provincial FIRST Impact Award, but they delivered a knockout blow, winning the Robotics World Championship FIRST Impact Award in Houston, Texas, with their robot, Bumblebee.

The Impact Award is the most prestigious award that a team can win. It best embodies the goals and ideals of the competition. Because of their outstanding performance, they have qualified to compete again at the 2024 championships. Manitoulin Metal 6865 stood out amongst the 630 teams because of their focus on sustainability and their work to becoming carbon-neutral.

Stepping into the ring: Ben Willis, Jocelyn Kuntsi, Nevaeh Harper, Alexis McVey, Samuel Pennings, Xavi Mara, Ryan Kuntsi, Addy Gray, Alex Wilson-Zegil, Robyn Ashlyn-McNaughton, Daphne Carr, Garrett Charbonneau, Patrick McCann and Alan Wilkin.

I want to congratulate all the students, educators and parents who went out to the competitions, as well as thank the over 300 Manitoulin sponsors, businesses, residents, supporters and students who made it possible for them to compete. Speaker, Bee-sustainable, 6865 Bumblebee logging out.