Hemlock’s Gray Matter on the World Stage
Hemlock, MI - If I could pick one word to describe the members of Hemlock’s Gray Matter, it would be GRIT. Grit is defined as “perseverance of effort combined with the passion for a particular long-term goal or end state." A robotics season is full of ups and downs and it’s easy to get physically and emotionally burnt out. The unrelenting dedication and passion from the students and mentors made this season possible. I remember our Week Zero event where we were expected to get our first practice matches of the year, but instead our robot did not move at all yet. Stress was at an all time high, but Gray Matter could still see the light at the end of the tunnel. Gray Matter persevered and continuously improved throughout the remainder of the year creating the best robot in team history. Grit is in Gray Matter’s DNA.
Hemlock’s Gray Matter attended the Milford District event and finished in 5th place while earning the District Engineering Inspiration Award. Next, the team traveled to the Midland District event and finished with a perfect 18-0-0 record while winning the event and taking home the most prestigious award in FIRST Robotics, the Chairman’s Award. Based on the district performances, Hemlock’s Gray Matter qualified for the state championship at Saginaw Valley State University and finished in 13th place and took home the Gracious Professionalism Award. With another great outing at the state championship, the team qualified for the World Championship Event in Houston, TX. The team finished 15th out of 75 teams in their field which puts us in the 95th percentile in the world and this was the first time Hemlock’s Gray Matter competed on the field during the playoffs at the World stage.
The work isn’t done yet! Hemlock’s Gray Matter will hold several offseason events to prepare for the next season. Please reach out to the school district if you have any questions.
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For more information about this or other positive happenings at
Hemlock Public School District please call (989) 642-5282 or visit us on the web at
www.hemlockps.com
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