Kendall among the winners in Tech Wars at GCC

Posted 27 March 2023 at 5:36 pm

Photos courtesy of GCC: Regatta was among the competitions at Tech Wars last week at GCC in Batavia.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Nearly 800 middle and high school students from 24 schools in the GLOW Region gathered on Thursday for GCC’s 14th Tech Wars, In addition, 100 third- through fifth-grade students attended for STEAM Jam, sponsored by the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

The event was a huge success, with students showcasing their skills and knowledge in technology and engineering. The 2023 event introduced the Mini-Bot competition and brought back Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers as well as other legacy events such as Catapult; Paper Airplane; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants was the Mystery Event which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.

In the middle school category, Warsaw took the top prize, followed by Wayland Cohocton in second place, and a tie for third place between Alexander and Kendall.

In the high school category, Alexander took home first place, with Dansville in second place, and a tie for third place between Geneseo and Pioneer.

Students created robots to play soccer, sumo wrestle and also do a tractor pull.

The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including gold sponsors – Amada Tool America, Inc., GCEDC, GLOW with Your Hands, Graham Corporation, I.B.E.W. Local Union #86, LandPro Equipment, Liberty Pumps, Northeast Industrial Technologies, Inc., and Oxbo; silver sponsors – Takeform and RTMA/FLYAP (Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association, Inc/Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Programs); and bronze sponsor – Varysburg Lions Club.

In addition to Tech Wars, GCC also hosted close to 200 students for the Genesee County Youth Bureau Youth Conference on March 21 and over 600 students from 28 school districts for the GLOW with Your Hands: Healthcare career exploration event on Friday, March 24.

“I want to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the 14th Tech Wars,” said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) programs at GCC. “Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and it’s inspiring to see so many talented students from across the GLOW Region come together to showcase their skills and knowledge.”