A 14-year-old Clarkston High school student recently lead the Clarkston Middle School Lego Robotics team to the regional finals.
Jordan Bellant has been active with Lego Robotics for five years. He always had an interest in the activity, so when the CMS Technowolves needed a leader, Bellant jumped at the opportunity.
‘The kids have fun with this project,? said Bellant. ‘So I wanted to help them with the project.?
The project was to choose an area in the community and explain how that area can become accessible to people with disabilities. With just six weeks to deadline, Bellant and his team of eleven students put their minds together. After serious consideration, the team decided to work toward Deer Lake Beach.
‘When we were thinking about a place to focus on, we tried to choose a place where we haven’t seen disabled people,? said Bellant.
The decision was made and plans were underway. The students worked hard to achieve their goals. They spent hours after school and on the weekends to perfect their project.
The team analyzed Deer Lake Beach and concluded that the parking lot needed to be paved, a boardwalk should be built from the parking lot to the second beach, and ramps and picnic tables with wheelchair access needed to be made. The team also believed their plan would benefit the elderly and parents.
The CMS team then went the extra step. The students contacted appropriate businesses who quoted prices for the jobs needed at the site. Upon completion, the team completed a budget to go along with the project.
CMS traveled to Carnen Ainsworth High School in Flint for Regionals. The competition was on Nov. 20 and CMS competed against 30 other schools. When the time came for their presentation, CMS introduced themselves as board members and presented their plan without hesitation.
The competition is broken up into three sections: technical, overall and presentation. Bellant and his team placed tenth under the presentation section and were awarded with ‘The Most Innovative Project Solutions? at Regionals.
‘We wanted to go to states,? said Bellant. ‘Getting the trophy was just as great.?
‘I am very proud of Jordan, not just for winning but also for his maturity and respect toward the parents and kids,? said Kevin Bellant, the high schooler’s father.
Bellant said he plans to participate in next year’s competition as well.
Lego Robotics requires a lot of support and funding. This year the team was fortunate to recycle the props from the previous year and receive financial support from the CMS PTA. After their victory, parents are excited to help next year by volunteering and with funding.
‘I am so proud,? said Patty Bellant. ‘He has done so much more than I thought a 14-year-old could accomplish.?
Bellant was recognized by everyone involved, and they look forward to working with him in the future.