 The Killer Bees, Notre Dame Prep's robotics team, lost six members due to graduation. From left, Jack Stouffer, Larissa Woryk, Demi Outman, Keith Watza, Eric Leen and Joe Soisson. |
This past graduating class at Notre Dame Prep included members of the school's robotics team, The Killer Bees. Current Bee Joe Grossberg, who will be a junior in the fall, writes about his six departing robotics teammates.
By Joe Grossberg
After a great season of robotics competitions, it’s time to say farewell to our seniors. The seniors have led our team to great heights and have been our role models for the past year. I hope for the best in their futures and trust they will have fond memories of their years as Killer Bees. Now let’s recall the Bees who are "flying from The Hive:
Joe Soisson
The character of this hard-working colleague has been that of a great role model. As the Hu-man Player for our team this past year, he has thrown many Frisbees and has made quite a few goals. Joe will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study engineering. About his robotics tenure, Joe says: “FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) has solidified my choice of major and my desire to help others to learn more about math and science.”
Larissa Woryk
Without her leadership, the Killer Bees team may not have cheered as loud or as proud this year. Her charismatic personality has led the team through each competition with acts of gracious professionalism. Larissa will be attending the University of Michigan with a pre-med focus, her main area of study will be biomedical engineering. “Robotics has given me more exposure in the engineering field. As a result, it has shown me that I enjoy engineering and I have decided to pursue an engineering degree before medical school."
We will miss your spirit-filled cheering Larissa!
Keith Watza
As the robot controller on the team, Keith has made a stand for the greatness of his work. His easy-going attitude will always be remembered. After graduation, Keith will be attending Tulane University in New Orleans, where his main area of study will be in Biomedical Engineering. Keith has received a $100,000 FIRST scholarship to Tulane University and a $40,000 FIRST scholarship to Bucknell University. Keith comments on the value of FIRST: “FIRST has given me the opportunity to gain engineering experience before many other students going into college. FIRST has also helped me to solidify my decision to be an engineer, and I believe that it will help me to have greater success in college and in my career. I not only learned engineering skills in FIRST robotics, but I also learned how to work with others in a team, and how to teach and lead others in technical skills.”
Keith’s final remark is that he wants others to know that he had always worked to make the team better and that he has tried to improve every day on his work for the team. The Bees will miss your leading character, Keith!
Eric Leen
After graduation, Eric will be attending a university in Australia. He is pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering and hopes to join the Royal Australian Air Force as Engineering Officer. Amazing! Eric comments on the value of FIRST: “FIRST has given me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the different, fun, and competitive environments of the STEM fields. Participating in FIRST has not only developed my knowledge of engineering and technology, but has also significantly improved my communication and management skills, all of which are needed in college and in the work place. The experiences I have had during the past two years with the Killer Bees have been way out of this world. I wish I could have spent another two years learning and having fun on the team. Thanks to all my friends and mentors. It was a pleasure working with them. I am glad to be that Aussie pit crew member who gave mini Koalas to the girls on the team.”
We will miss your philanthropic presence Eric!
Jack Stouffer
From FLL to FRC, Jack has been a staple in our robotics programs. As a member of the Killer Bees, Jack has remained a dedicated mentor of the FLL team, as well as our technical and design consultant. Jack will be attending Oakland University, with a focus on computer science. “FIRST has really allowed me to explore and foster my interest in design and marketing through my involvement in the PR team. By learning the professional skills in how to make our presence known, by representing our team in presentations, and by spreading our message through the Internet, I have expanded by skills and interest in design and marketing.”
Jack’s final remark is that he wants freshmen to know that they will only get as much out as they put into it—so be involved and reap the rewards!
Jack, we will miss your understanding presence!
Demi Outman
This artistic woman has colorfully and creatively helped the team to looks its best! During this past year especially, her experience has proven to be useful as a member of the Killer Bees pit crew. Demi will be attending the University of Michigan, focusing on mechanical engineering. Demi was a recipient of a $1,000 FIRST Scholarship from Lawrence Technological University.
Demi notes the impact of FIRST on her and her future: “For the amount of time and dedication I have focused toward the team, the team in return has been a large factor in shaping who I am today. I am a skilled young engineer with a wide variety of hands-on technical skills, from rudimentary drill uses to complex chassis assembly. The mentors on the team have been a large part of effectively teaching me those skills by trusting me in my individual capabilities and guiding me through my failures. I have learned, especially from my experience, that failures are points to grow from. Having the opportunity to talk to judges and sponsors has helped me to become a better communicator, allowing me to develop into a well-rounded professional. Lastly, the team has strengthened my ability to manage my time between robotics, school and other activities. These skills will definitely be a well formed foundation for my future engineering career.”
Demi’s last remarks as she leaves Notre Dame “I would like the remaining juniors, sophomores and freshmen to know they should never be afraid to ask questions and I hope they have great futures!”
Demi, we will miss your dedication!
Since the Senior Killer Bees have flown from the hive with skills that have prepared them for their futures, it is up to all of us to add on to their work so that their legacies of greatness will live on. I will remember all you as some the greatest Killer Bees I have ever known. And I will also remember that "it’s great to be a Killer Bee!" (JG)
About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.