Robotics Team benefits from donations

VWHS Robotics Team information

Wassenberg Art Center and the Van Wert High School Robotics Team partnered this past July to raise funds for the team, the art center and Main Street Van Wert.

Proceeds from selling plastic ducks for the first annual Duck Derpy race on Town Creek took place July 11. MSVW Program Manager Adam Ries and Wassenberg Executive Director Hope Wallace presented a check for $722 to the team this past week.

“We are heading into year 5 of the robotics team and the level of support and commitment from the community is what allows us to continue to offer this academic team after-school opportunity,” said team Coach Bob Spath. “In addition, Van Wert High School has been chosen to host the Northwest Ohio Regional Qualifier for the second consecutive year on January 30.”

Walmart is also sponsoring the robotics team through a generous donation of $1,500.

“Jeff Welker has been super supportive of our team the past few years,” Spath noted. “This past summer, we had team members demo our robot to the staff of Walmart at the local store. We gave the opportunity for Walmart employees to drive and control the robot and several jumped out of their seats to be the first to drive.”

The Van Wert County Foundation, through the generous donation from the Frank W. Leslie Memorial Fund, donated $1,500 to the robotics team. Leslie was a graduate of Bowling Green State Normal School. After teaching for one year, he helped form the Peoples Savings Bank (now Wells Fargo Bank) in 1903, serving as CEO until his passing.

Leslie was also instrumental in forming the Van Wert County Foundation, while his son, Gaylord, set up a fund in his name through the foundation.

“Current Foundation Executive Secretary Seth Baker met with robotics team coaches at the end of last school year and the team is thrilled to have the Van Wert County Foundation support,” Coach Spath said. “Our budget to build a robot and travel to various competitions is primarily paid for by the contributions by local companies, businesses and team fundraising.”

For additional information, contact either Spath or Coach Zane McElroy at Van Wert High School.