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HHS to send 2 teams to world robotics competition

Students on the Hopkinton High School robotics team will head to St. Louis this month to compete in the world championship. PHOTO/ANDREW ELFMAN

Students on the Hopkinton High School robotics team are hopeful about their chances in their upcoming world championship.

“[They] are optimistic but understand they have to prepare,” said Doug Scott, assistant coach and business, technology and engineering subject matter leader for Hopkinton Public Schools.

The group is sending two teams to the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis from April 21-30. The students will take part in days of competitions against teams from over 33 countries. Scott said the championships bring together about 800 teams broken up into divisions throughout the nine-day event.

“They do brackets,” Scott explained. “They have you play, and then you do a playoff in each division at worlds.” From there, winning “alliances” in each division are selected to take part in a final championship. Competitors can “win on the field and can win on awards,” he added.

Hopkinton advanced two teams to the world championships from the state competition in March. But work toward the big event began close to the end of last year’s competition.

Scott noted that all groups involved in the VEX Robotics event are issued the same challenge for the following year at the conclusion of the previous world championship. Students have to build and design robots that meet the challenges and compete in the planned games. They then refine their tactics and builds by participating in local events.

HHS robotics students work hard under coach Andrew Elman, Scott noted, and have support from multiple groups. He recognized the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Organization for its financial support and the Select Board for allowing the group to get a fundraising bib for the Boston Marathon. He also thanked the school district for its support, noting the teams have dedicated workshop space in the high school.

“The school is super supportive,” said Scott.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Citing discussions of the plan in previous meetings, the School Committee on Wednesday affirmed its decision to pave Loop Road as part of the Hopkins School project.

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is 1-year-old Owala, an affectionate and active dog who’s eager to learn and would enjoy a home where she can continue to build positive connections.

The latest Professional Insights from Edward Jones financial advisor Mark Freeman details methods for individuals to ease the effect of rising prices on their retirement plans.

The Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday.

Photo of the Day

Work continues on the development at the site of the former Hopkinton Drug property.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR