JACKSON – Four Jackson Township High School students were honored by local officials after placing among the nation’s top teams in a Technology Student Association robotics competition.
Joseph “Joey” Orecchio, Deven Stab, Raymond Panariello and Aditi Gupta received a proclamation during a recent Township Council meeting recognizing their advancement to the national semifinals.
The students, who participate in the high school’s STEM Academy and TSA chapter, began their run by earning second place in the robotics competition at the New Jersey TSA State Conference. That performance qualified them for the national conference, held June 22 through 26 in National Harbor, Maryland.
The Jackson team competed against more than 60 groups from across the country and ultimately finished among the top 18.
Competitors were tasked with designing, constructing and programming a robot capable of traveling through a course while collecting and delivering objects. The event included a timed performance and an interview with judges, during which students explained their design process and demonstrated their technical knowledge.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and council members presented the proclamation before the students’ families and other residents attending the meeting.
“These are the moments that make us incredibly proud as a community,” Kuhn said. “Joey, Deven, Ray and Aditi have demonstrated what can happen when talent is combined with hard work, teamwork, determination and a willingness to challenge yourself.”
Kuhn said the students represented both their school and Jackson Township with distinction on the national stage.
The recognition also acknowledged TSA adviser Michelle Roach, who assumed leadership of the organization during the school year. Administrators, teachers and guidance counselors assisted the students as they prepared for a national conference that coincided with final examinations and the closing week of school.
“When we talk about Jackson’s future, these are the young people we are talking about,” Kuhn said. “They are innovative, motivated and already demonstrating tremendous leadership.”
The four students plan to return to competition during the upcoming school year and build upon their national success.
