Randles part of world robotics event
<p>The Misfit Toys, a robotics team consisting of participants from multiple area schools, finished second at a recent regional contest in Calgary, Alberta. Team members included: on the floor, Colin Burkhalter and Kolby Alloway. First row from left: Geoff Woods, Cole Turner, Kenny Zaken, Russell Stein, Shelby Cass, Joey Peters, Kody Blowers, Michael Colgrove, Savahnnah Stocker (holding flag) and Atira Tiffany. Second row: Coach Bob Quant, Coach Debra Kimberling, Alex Noren, Chris Crooks, Ryan Roth, Robert Ladewig, Team Captain Rohnin Randles, J.J. Mackesy, Drew Zaken, Mentor Beverly Bu…
<p>The Coeur d'Alene High TeraViks robotics team that recently competed in a regional contest in Calgary, Alberta, included front row from left, Josh Wheeler, Clay Steed, Jase Dryden and Joe Broder. In the back are: Bryan Smidt (teacher), Tim Sonnen, Montana Dobbs, Don Marschman, Deb Wheeler, Keaton Marschman, Marty Mueller (behind the robot), Damon Dryden, Julie Dryden, Scott Ballard, Thys Ballard, Donovan Collinsworth and Bryan Dryden. The Coeur d'Alene High TeraViks robotics team that recently competed in a regional contest in Calgary, Alberta, included front row from left, Josh Whee…
Rohnin Randles said being invited to be a student ambassador at the FIRST Robotics World Competition in St. Louis is a "once in a lifetime" experience.
"It's something that I'll never forget," the Lakeland High junior said. "I'm proud to represent both Idaho and our region."
Randles was chosen to attend the world contest during the recent regional event in Calgary, Alberta. He submitted an essay and was interviewed based on his team leadership.
Randles said he'll give tours and greet VIPs in St. Louis.
Randles said he hopes to graduate from North Idaho College around the same time he graduates from Lakeland. He is undecided on a major, but is leaning toward a science field.
Randles said he was hesitant to participate in robotics when he started four years ago, but is now glad that he did.
"Everyone has a picture what it will be like, but the science and technology really intrigued me," he said. "It's gets a lot deeper than you think at first."
Randles was team captain on the Misfit Toys team sponsored by the Kootenai Technical Education Campus, which placed second of 31 teams at the regional in Calgary. He received the FIRST Robotics Competition Dean's List award for leadership and dedication.
Misfit Toys has 23 students from Lakeland, two each from Lake City, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene Charter, and one from North Idaho STEM Academy.
Teams designed and built a competition robot from scratch in six weeks and performed community volunteer work.
The Coeur d'Alene High TeraViks also made it to the finals, placing sixth with its alliance.
A team from Bonners Ferry won the regional contest and is competing in St. Louis.