By: Simran Ahuja …

Earlier this month, Innovation Academy’s robotics team attended the First Symposium, an event focused on fostering collaboration, learning, and community support within the local robotics circuit. The symposium, organized by a selected host team, this year Lambert High School, featured a series of sessions led by mentors, students, and coaches from various schools in the area. Participants had the opportunity to dive into specialized topics related to robotics, such as competition logistics, autonomous systems, electrical engineering, and scouting strategies. Each session was designed to offer practical knowledge and hands-on tips for teams, parents, and students alike. One of the standout workshops was led by David Hightower from our school’s team, who showcased the workings of the team’s machine shop.  

The robotics team here at IA not only supports our team but also serves as a resource for other teams in need of assistance. “Our leadership discussed how we can use our resources to help other teams, especially when they have equipment failures,” said Raj Chavda. When a nearby team’s chop saw broke down, our machine shop stepped in to help them cut parts until we were able to finish helping them repair the equipment. This kind of mutual aid reflects the heart of the event: collaboration and support, not just competition. The spirit of sportsmanship was palpable throughout the symposium. “It’s about everyone helping each other out,” continued Raj. The robotics community thrives on sharing knowledge and lending a hand, reinforcing that the lessons learned here extend far beyond the field of competition. This First Symposium marks the beginning of a new tradition that will continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a robotics team. Through cooperation and shared resources, teams are building something even greater: a community grounded in respect and collaboration, embodying true sportsmanship beyond sports.