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Teacher makes good on championship promise

by M. Dilworth • April 4, 2013

In less than two weeks, Joe Walker Middle School STEALTH Academy's VEX Robotics Team will compete against 160 of the top robotics teams from around the world.
In less than two weeks, Joe Walker Middle School STEALTH Academy’s VEX Robotics Team will compete against 160 of the top robotics middle school teams from around the world.

QUARTZ HILL – Joe Walker STEALTH Academy’s VEX Robotics team has done it again! Having successfully competed in several competitions this school year, the team has been invited to participate in the VEX Robotics Middle School World Championship for the second year in a row.

Joe Walker Vex Robotic teacher goes pink2The event will take place from April 17-20 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The students will compete against 160 of the top robotics teams from around the world in the VEX Sack Attack game.

“For the kids it’s like an Olympics for robotics,” said Matt Anderson, who teaches the VEX Robotics Class at Joe Walker Middle School, STEALTH Academy.

For Anderson, the accomplishment was bittersweet. You see, Anderson had promised his students that if they were invited back to the VEX World Championships, he would dye his hair and beard pink.

Joe Walker Vex Robotic teacher goes pink“It was kind of a motivation to get the teams working, because there was a period of time when we were like, ‘Why should we do this? What is the purpose of it?’” said Team Captain and eighth grader Kristy Bear.

The unique motivational technique worked. And with the students headed to the competition, Anderson was compelled to make good on his promise.

Thursday afternoon, several students gleefully took turns spraying Anderson’s hair a shocking pink with neon green strips.

Joe Walker Vex Robotic teacher goes pink3The new hairstyle was complemented by an orange and blue beard, courtesy of the students.

“It’s kind of a once in a lifetime thing for most students,” said Bear of the World Championship competition. “And then seeing that Mr. Anderson would actually follow through on doing what he said, that was great too.”

The VEX Robotics class still needs help to reach its goal of raising $4,000 to cover the cost of registration and lodging at the World Championships.

Donors’ names will appear on the school’s website, will be mentioned on the television program at the school, and will appear at the team’s booth at the world competition.

To make a donation to support this effort, make a check payable to Joe Walker ASB with “Vex Robotics” in the memo line and mail to 5632 West Avenue L-8, Lancaster, CA 93536. Call 661-943-3258, ext. 72601 for more information.

Filed Under: Education

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