Woodlawn High School students participate in Robotics Competition

WOODLAWN, Md. - Students at Woodlawn High School learn about math, science and technology while building a robot from scratch.

They are called the TechnoWarriors.

"Many times you hear our students can't do something and when you see them perform at such a high level and demonstrating mastery and showing skills the average student does not possess as a principal or parents it's extremely appreciative," said Brian Scriven, Principal Woodlawn High School.

The Robot named Junkyard Warrior was built from recycled parts. It took students six weeks and about 300 hours of labor to put it together.

Students have won local and regional championships and qualified for a national contest, The FIRST Robotics competition.

11th Grader Tavon Johnson has learned a lot in the program.

"It teaches science, technology and math.  It teaches students how they can grow.  Engineering is very important because many of our engineers are retiring and now we have to build new people. I want to be one of those people," said Johnson.

The Robot is programmed to run 10 seconds without human input. The Robot lifts inflatable tubes, carries it across the court and hangs it on pegs about the height of a basketball hoop.

It seems easy, but it can be tricky.

"It gives students an opportunity to look at math and science differently rather than look at it on paper, but do real world applications," said Fred Needel, mentor for the TechnoWarrior Robotics Team for Woodlawn High School.

The Robotics Team has positively influenced many students over the years.  Some of the High Schools alum have received scholarships, attended great colleges and found jobs in technology and engineering fields while also helping students with social confidence.

"It has helped me a lot from being very shy. I met a lot of people.  It's a great way to get out of your shell and meet wonderful people," said Taylor Bailey, 11th grader.

Robyn and Fred Needel have been mentors for the program for ten years. They started when their son attended Woodlawn High and they have remained ever since.

"We feel like we are paying it forward because these students will ultimately take care of all of us in the 21st century. I feel it is important to give them a little bit of knowledge that I have," said Robyn Needel, mentor TechnoWarrior Robotics Team for Woodlawn High School.

NASA Goddard sponsored TechnoWarriors this year. NASA helped with the cost of many expenses for the competitions.  Other engineering and Tech companies are involved in team sponsorship, knowing they may be assisting their future employees.