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First CPS Team to Qualify For Robotics National Competition, Teacher Says

The three sophomores and two freshman at Von Steuben, are a part of a total of 210 teams said to compete in April—the only female group amidst co-ed teams

A group of four high school girls recently became the first Chicago Public School students to ever make the national robotics competition, according to physics and engineering instructor Manny Aldana.

The three sophomores and two freshman at Von Steuben Metropolitan High School, are a part of a total of 210 teams said to compete in April—the only female group amidst co-ed teams.

“What's different about all girls is we get more ideas out,” said sophomore Karen Moy. “Usually guys, they take over the ‘bot, they're more handsy but girls, we're all equal.”

From Albany Park to nationals in Iowa, the long trip may be too costly to participate said Aldana. Although fundraisers have gotten them beyond their goal, the team is now hoping they will get a chance to go.

Robotics expenses vary up to $1,500 and it is said it will cost thousands more for hotel and transportation.

“It’s a lot of hard work building, rebuilding,” said sophomore Safa Azad. “We’re building a robot to build and stack cones.”

Team Captain Sophia Villacarlos said she gets home with a lot of homework and stays up until 8 p.m.

“I don’t really mind it,” she said. Villacarlos expressed her concern of having the whole state on her shoulders and not wanting to disappoint others.

“These Iowa bots are going to be big, strong, fast, we have to be at their level.”

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