Robotics team ready to compete

MOORESVILLE Pine Lake Preparatory School has received a $7,500 NASA grant for its high school robotics team to compete in the FIRST (For the Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) Robotics Competition in Raleigh April 1-3.

Pine Lake Prep is the state's largest public charter school, with 1,440 students in kindergarten through grade 12. It is among nine N.C. high schools in the competition. State winners will compete in the world finals at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in late April.

Ingersoll-Rand of Davidson is sponsoring the Pine Lake Prep team, nicknamed "Team SPORK," providing engineering and technology mentors and coaches, workshop space, machine tools, hand tools and additional encouragement from the company's leadership and management teams in engineering, human resources and marketing.

Newell-Rubbermaid and Irwin Tools in Huntersville are also providing engineering and technician coaching and mentor support; Rubbermaid Trade Master mobile work center carts for organizing tools and robot assemblies; Irwin tool sets; Rubbermaid totes for storage and transport of robot components and materials; and other support.

Duke Energy is also providing mentors and coaches, materials and grant support for the six-week design, build and programming period, Jan. 9-Feb. 20. Cardinal Glass, Aerodyn Wind Tunnel, Penske Technology Group, General Dynamics of Charlotte, Bank of America, CommScope, Lowe's Companies Inc. and Time Warner Cable are also lending assistance.

"The outpouring of support from our students, academic partners, parents and corporate partners has been incredible," said John Moloney, Pine Lake Prep's school board chairman.