Student-built robots take over L.A.

In addition to the hand-outs Clark alumnus Avo Terzian designed a 3-D T-shirt with Clark's robot on the back. "I was inspired by the 3-D images from Mars," said Terzian, who now works at JPL. "It was hard to take snapshots off the computer and adjust them for the left and right eye," explained Terzian on the 3-D process.

Clark's robotic team is selling the T-shirts to help raise money to cover this year's cost and to support the team with other robotic ventures.

"It takes about $23,000 a year to build and compete," said Clark parent volunteer Karen Black. "It is $5,000 alone to enter this competition."

Students said the money is well spent. They are dedicated to the project. When CV computer science teacher Greg Neat tried asked students what they wanted for lunch on the first day of competition, repairing the robot won over food. "That should show you something," said Neat of teenagers turning down food to continue their work.

The L.A. competition lasted for three days over the weekend. CVHS Falkøn came in sixth place. "We made quarter finals," said leader math teacher Win Saw. "That's pretty good."

Saw added that the robot will now be on display at the high school with occasional duties at local elementary assemblies, and will hand the valedictorian plaque to Principal Linda Evans for her presentation at this year's graduation ceremony.

Clark came in eighth place and won the Daimler-Chrysler Team Spirit Award for the most overall exuberance.

First place went to Thunderbots, who will travel to national finals in Atlanta, Ga., on April 15.

The overall dedication is not only evident through the students but through their mentors, prinicipals and teachers. CVHS co-principal Mike Livingston was there to support his school's team as was Glendale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Escalante. Said Escalante, "It's like an athletic competition of the 22nd century." Escalante was so impressed by the competition that at Tuesday's school board meeting he invited everyone to attend next year.

However, the true dedication of teachers was evident through CVHS faculty leader, math teacher Win Saw. His presence was an example of time and dedication given to the robotics team by the teachers. Saw's wife was pregnant, when asked when her due date was he replied, "Any time now." Mrs. Saw gave birth to their second son on Monday, March 29, the day after the competition ended.