The Powerknights are a first robotics team consisting of students from Goffstown and Manchester West High Schools that meet in the tech wing, usually T-4, the woodshop. They design and construct bots to compete in task-based competitions. The team is almost entirely student led with some adult mentors. Dominic Laurendeau, a GHS sophomore and two-year team member, comments “It’s a lot more than building and designing.”
Currently the 501 is preparing for the upcoming intense “build season.” Sam Crisa, the team’s outreach director, states that “…recruiting is our biggest focus right now.” The team has posters and QR codes around GHS for anyone to look into. Students can apply online from the First Robotics website or sign up in person at one of their meetings. Right now, in their off season, they meet every Tuesday after school from 6:30 to 9:00. The meetings are open to the public and anyone can come. Students can also check their Instagram page and their website at info@powerknights.com. During the Goffstown Pumpkin Regatta they had a booth there with sign up info and they will have another one during old homes day.
The Powerknights will be very busy once the season starts in mid January as they only have two months to design and construct a fully capable bot. Regardless, Max Rothwangl, the team’s president, still urges members to prioritize their academics first. Rothwangl expressed his thoughts on the time constraint: “Our speed cannot hinder our overall ingenuity.” There are several specialized fields on the team including business. The 501 organization is not directly affiliated with GHS. Their resources and funds are completely independent from the school district’s. According to Crisa and Rothwangl, most of the team’s funds are allocated from sponsors and donations. Other areas of focus include programming, CAD design, communications and safety.
In addition to the robotics competitions, the Powerknights are heavily involved in the community. They will soon be in the works of building a float for the Manchester Christmas parade. The team engages in many community outreach activities, from learning CPR to selling donuts. The 501 are a lot more than just a robotics team. Rothwangl believes that no matter what someone does on the team, there’s something important to take away and there is something for everyone.