OHS Robotics Team Wins Grant from Howmet Fdtn

The Olney High School Robotics Team was presented with a grant from Howmet Foundation on Sept. 11 during the halftime show of the football game.

The grant will provide the robotics program with essential equipment, including multiple robotics kits and three new laptops which will allow more students to work at the same time. It will also cover the cost of travel so that all team members can participate in regional and state competitions along with supporting marketing and supplies for community outreach, summer robotics camps, beginner coding sessions, and STEM nights. The program will add arena elements and practice game pieces so students can train in a competition style setting within the school.

“Most importantly, these funds will help share robotics with younger students and families in our community, sparking interest in STEM at an early age and building a strong pipeline for the future. This means more kids in Olney will have the chance to explore science, engineering, and technology in a fun, hands-on way,” Sabrina Laurent, the robotics teacher, said.

Howard McDaris, Sr. HR Generalist and Grant Coordinator, proudly presented Olney ISD with a $25,000 grant on behalf of Howmet Aerospace Foundation at halftime. McDaris is an alum of, graduating in 1981. Joining him that evening was legacy teacher and alum of OHS Susan McCarson, who taught at Olney High School from 1978 to 2000. She is proud to have her grandson, David McCarson, playing for the Cubs, and her granddaughter, Maci McCarson, playing trumpet in the Pride of Olney High School Band.