TITLE: Congratulating the Mercenary Robotics team in McKinney on its success at the 2017 Brazos Valley Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Mercenary Robotics team in McKinney on its success at the 2017 Brazos Valley Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The members of the Mercenary Robotics team distinguished themselves with their performance at the Brazos Valley Regional For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition held in Waco from March 31 through April 2, 2017; and WHEREAS, For the event, the team faced off against squads from four states in building a robot capable of completing various tasks, including ascending a rope; the Mercenaries ultimately claimed 15th place and clinched the Highest Rookie Seed and Rookie All-Star Awards, and their fine showing qualified them to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship taking place in Houston on April 19-22; and WHEREAS, The team was organized in the summer of 2016 by a group of McKinney-area high school students who shared a common passion for robotics; eager to test themselves against other groups, the squad raised the necessary funds by applying for grants and soliciting support from local businesses, and the Mercenaries got their first taste of competition during the Dallas Regional contest held March 8-11, 2017; along the way, these determined students have benefited from the guidance of mentors Mary Mobley, Jason Bolen, and Andrew Nelson; and WHEREAS, Through their involvement in this exciting and demanding program, the Mercenaries have demonstrated their talents for problem solving and innovation, and they may indeed take pride in a job well done; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Mercenary Robotics team on its achievements at the 2017 Brazos Valley Regional FIRST Robotics Competition and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Sanford Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1526 was adopted by the House on May 4, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House