Launch of Robotics Club for 2024-2025 School Year

Competitions Planned with Teams from More Than 400 Schools Across the State

Pinecrest Academy, a private PreK3-12 Catholic School in Cumming, will debut a Robotics Club for the 2024-2025 school year. The club is already off to a promising start, as students participated in “spring training," eager for their first robotics competition season that begins in fall 2024.

During spring training, 19 students were introduced to key concepts related to computer programming, mechanical design, and teamwork. The club also assembled a team of coaches and parent volunteers, under the moderation of Mr. Carter Mayville, PreK3-8th Dean of Academics. Mrs. Mary Claire Klooster, a former computer science teacher at Pinecrest Academy, serves as coach.

"We've been floating around the idea of a competitive robotics team for a while now, but thanks to the help and support of some dedicated families and students, we're ready to provide our students with this new outlet for their innovative spirit and collaborative ingenuity,” explains Carter Mayville, PreK3-8th Grade Dean of Academics.

During the fall competition season, Pinecrest will field two teams. A 4th-6th grade team will participate in their first Lego League Challenge competition, and a 7th-9th grade team will participate in their first Tech Challenge competition.
Pinecrest students will interact with robotics teams from over 400 public and private schools across Georgia. They will also interact with industry professionals and experts on the field of oceanography, as they use STEM and collaboration skills to explore "life beneath the surface of the ocean,” which is the theme for this coming season's robot games and innovation projects.

“Robotics is not just about robots, gears and circuits, but rather about igniting curiosity, fostering new ideas, and growing through teamwork,” commented Dr. Blanca Snyder, PreK3-8th Grade Principal. “As we prepare to launch our inaugural competitive season, we are excited to see how faith inspires design thinking, further enriching and nurturing our Pinecrest students’ in all aspects of their integral formation!”