The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) Robotics team, the Commodores, will represent the 4C Academy at the FIRSTâ Robotics Championship in Houston, Texas April 18th through April 21st.  
 
After competing in two district qualifying competitions and the FIRSTÒ Robotics State level event, the Commodores finished 22nd out of 82 teams in Georgia. According to the team’s Co-coach and 4C Academy IT instructor, Darren Hagler, “The Commodores have done an exceptional job this year, especially considering their rookie status. This is the second time in southwest Georgia FRC history that a team from this area has qualified for the FIRSTÒ Championships.”
 
In addition to building a competitive robot, the Commodores were awarded the title of Georgia Rookie All Star team, which is presented to the rookie team that best exemplifies the mission of FIRSTÒ Robotics. Hagler explains, “A team must receive the Rookie All Star award at the district level to be eligible for the award at the State competition.  By winning the Georgia state Rookie All Star award, we secured a place at the World Competition in Houston.”  
 
Commenting on the announcement, 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher said, “Winning the Rookie All Star award for the State of Georgia is an exceptional honor for our team as well as the 4C Academy. To be eligible, rookie teams must demonstrate professional skills including team work, collaboration, work ethic, marketing, and professional appearance.  This award is particularly exciting to me because these are the very skills that we work on every day at the 4C Academy.”
 
“We couldn't be prouder of the 4C Academy team and what they've been able to accomplish," Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer added. "Even above the technical aspects of their achievement, they've been recognized for exhibiting skills such teamwork and collaboration, which are critical for success. The Commodores are an excellent example of what we strive for in the DCSS, excellence both inside and outside of the classroom.”
 
In preparation for the trip to Houston, the Commodores will conduct several fundraising efforts and are offering sponsorship opportunities. Additional information is available through the 4C Academy.