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Popsicles in California Heat

“Burbank Young Professionals: Grill and Give,” Johnny Carson Park, Summer, Off-season, 2023

Hot. But we had popsicles so it was pretty sweet. 

Besides that, we had a nice time hanging out with one another, meeting with important Burbank figures such as the Boys and Girls Club, Department of Parks and Rec., and California Senators Portantino and Menjivar while doing demos with 2022’s Kitty. 

Note to future us: don’t do demos anywhere near grass… cleaning it out of transmissions isn’t fun. 

All in all, thank you to the Burbank Young Professionals for having us! We look forward to working with more organizations to promote robotics across Burbank! 

— Luci, Captain of Team 980 

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The Significance of Singing Robots

“STEM Lego Robo Camp,” Central Library, Summer, Off-season, 2023

After weeks of planning and pulling people from within and outside our team, we’ve reached the conclusion of our Lego Robo Camp! 

Returning in person was a challenge, but our team pushed through in developing updated curriculums for Mindstorms and OnShape CAD as well as a new curriculum for 3D Printing. 

With over 30 students and 20 mentors, every team competed with a unique robot of their own, many with fun design details (so many swords…) or songs (one Rickrolled us…) to present to our judge. 

In the flurry of action, young students and our older students alike experienced how overcoming the challenges of mentorship can be rewarding, both professionally and personally. 

Thank you to all the mentors, people behind the scenes, and extra hands from friends of 980 and 1148 Harvard Westlake Robotics for all their hard work! 

— Luci, Captain of Team 980

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FLASH POST: Stars of the Show: NAF and… Kitty?!

In order of left to right, Yogini (Business Lead), Alyson Edge (NAF Director), Kitty (the robot), Robin (Business Mentor), and Luci (Captain)

“NAF Ribbon Cutting”, Burbank Chamber of Commerce, January 25, Season, 2023

After being graciously invited to the NAF Ribbon Cutting at the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, the team of Luci Masselink (Captain), Robin Dorfman (Business Mentor), Yogini Vazirani (Business Lead), and Kitty (2022 robot) rolled out to speak about their team on behalf of NAF to local leaders and… how did Kitty end up there! Funnily enough, after being set aside as a small showpiece, Kitty ended up being the centerpiece of nearly all pictures. Turns out, they really are quite dramatic. 

The Thunderbots cannot be more grateful to Alison Edge, NAF Director, and all of the NAF Board Members for all they do for the community, students’ futures, and Team 980!

— Luci (Captain, 2023)

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FLASH POST: Team 980 Sends 2022 Off with Style!

“Thunderbots Holiday Party/Open House”, Burbank High STEAM Lab, December 17, Off-season, 2022

With a great turnout of over 30 interested students and parents, the Team 980 Holiday Party went beautifully with a complete setup of food, team history, tours, mini-bot building, robot demonstrations, and more! Attached here is a brief description of each department that was presented at the Party.

— Luci (Captain, 2023)