Guyson Corp. has renewed its support for the FIRST robotics team at Ballston Spa Schools for the 2009-10 school year.

Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D, center, Superintendent of Schools of Ballston Spa, presents a recognition plaque to Guyson President Steve Byrnes, left, and VP of Sales & Marketing Steve Donohue, right.

The connection between Guyson and the technology enrichment programs at the school district in Saratoga County began last year, when Ballston Spa High School organized a team to participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition. A number of Guyson employees are BSHS graduates and took an interest in helping the students plan, design and build their robots. The 2009 team, calling themselves the “Robo-Nators,” enjoyed a very successful rookie year culminating in the Finger Lakes Regional Competition, held at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

2009 FRC Team 3044 "The Robo-Nators"

The 2010 FRC Team 3044 has doubled in size, and the enthusiasm is building as the group’s plans have taken shape and the time for the regional competition approaches. This year, 44 teams from upstate New York high schools will compete at the regional event. The kick-off for the 2010 season takes place at RIT on January 9th.

You will find news of the Ballston Robotics Team posted on this page from time to time. Those interested in following the accomplishments of the local team can visit their web site and blog at http://team3044.com. Further information about the Finger Lakes Regionals can be found at http://www.firstrochester.org/, and the national FIRST site is www.usfirst.org.