Delphi Circuit Stompers

FIRST is more than just building a robot.  It's about inspiring engineering, science, and technology, and it's about giving back to the community.  Read about our efforts to meet this challenge.

In May 2009, UAW 686 held a rally to save American jobs.  The rally was attended by UAW, USW, and CSEA members from WNY and Rochester.  The highlight of the rally was the keynote speakers who stressed the importance of the American workforce.  Circuit Stomper Vice President Rollin Hellner spoke about the relationship between supporting American products and the success of our program.  Without the mentoring and financial support of our sponsors, we would not be successful.  We were honored to be the only student organization invited to speak at this event.  

In 2008, 2009, and 2010 team members participated at Newfane's Intermediate School book chat as book chat leaders. They encouraged literacy and a love of reading through fun activities related to the books. The book chat consisted of fourth-fifth graders, teachers, parent volunteers, and high school students.  Team members will also be involved in a reading carnival this June.    

In November of 2006 and 2007 and February of 2009 and 2010, the Circuit Stompers teamed up with Channel 4 in an effort to collect new or gently used coats for children in need. The team collected coats for one week at Newfane High School. 

The drive was very successful in their mission to fight the winter chill of Western New York. The Circuit Stompers then brought the coats to participating dry-cleaners around the area who cleaned them for free. 

The dry-cleaners then gave them to Channel 4 to be distributed throughout the area.

 During December 2007 and May 2009, the Circuit Stompers gave a demonstration of our current project robot High Five.  Cub Scouts were given the opportunity to drive our robot.

Over the summer some of our team members traveled to the University at Buffalo for the the Cyber Engineering Camp for Young Women to give a presentation to some of the areas brightest young women.  We brought High-Five, one of the past robots along, and each of the young women got the opportunity to drive the robot!  A great time was had by all.

This April members of the Circuit Stompers including Hilary, Joe, Nick, and Zach travelled with Mrs. Lanighan to Delphi for their annual bring your child to work day.  At Delphi they were joined by the Warlocks.  Both teams gave demonstrations and answered questions about robotics and the FIRST organization.   

 In June of 2006,2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 the Delphi Circuit Stompers traveled to Delphi Thermal/Interior to participate in the Delphi Day of Excellence.  There the team showed off their robots, gave demonstrations, and answered questioned posed by the Delphi employees throughout the day. Team 378 was joined by their sister team 1507, the Warlocks.  They also brought their robot for demonstrations.  We are proud of our partnership with Delphi and were pleased with to be included in the day's celebration.   

The Circuit Stompers toured local engineering facilities to learn more about engineering opportunities.  Over the past 5 years team members visited AES, Delphi, Niagara County Water Filtration, BufloVac, and the Philadelphia Mint.  In 2011 we plan to tour Carleton Technologies in Orchard Park to learn more about the manufacturing of high pressure pneumatic and actuation systems that store and regulate oxygen, helium, and other gases.

In August thousands of Harley lovers came out to check out the area's new and vintage bikes. While there, they were able to ask questions about the FIRST Robotics Program and see a demonstration or two of our most recent robot. 

Each spring the Circuit Stompers head down the street to Newfane Elementary to give a presentation to the second graders on science.  Along with the exuberant Doctor Birdd, the Stompers teach the children about biology and the human body through interactive demonstrations and activities.  2011 will be the 8th year of this presentation and  378 looks forward to seeing the program continue.  

In November the Circuit Stompers brave the weather to participate in this charity event that benefits both local food pantries and the Newfane Sports Boosters. Team members help by holding directional signs along the race course, serving post race beverages, or running in the race. This is the fifth year the Stompers have been involved with the charity event.  

At the 2010 Newfane Lions Club Family Night, Stomper members demonstrated "High-Five" and "Rocky" and talked about FIRST.  After the presentation Lions Club members were so enthusiastic about the opportunities for teens that the donated $1000 to our team.

At the 2006,2007, 2008, and 2009 August town festival and parade, members of the community were able to examine Clawdia, Winchester, and High Five. The outstanding robots were driven by citizens.Team members were able to share their skills with others in order to get the FIRST message across. In the annual parade, spectators watched as team 378 walked down Main Street in Newfane. Buttons, candy, and necklaces were all tossed to those watching.

In the spring of 2007 Rick Coleman, a valued mentor of the Circuit Stompers,  was honored with the American Legion Outstanding Volunteer Award.  Team members nominated Rick for this award for his outstanding commitment to our team and the youth of our community. Team members joined Legislator John Syracuse and Senator Maziarz at a dinner to celebrate Rick's contributions.  This year we have again nominated a mentor for this award.  We'll find out in May if our nominee is the winner.

 In the 2008 annual summer parade, spectators watched as team 378 walked down Main Street in Olcott. Buttons, candy, and necklaces were all tossed to those watching.  

In the May of 2006,2007, 2008, and 2009 presentations at the Newfane Miller Hose Fire Company Hall, the Stompers amazed our town's "Golden Agers" with our robots' abilities and innovative designs.  The senior citizens were impressed with what our team had accomplished so quickly and how well we understood the concepts of engineering.