PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — The students on the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School robotics team were devastated to learn someone stole their competition trailer. Now, they’re headed to the district championships anyway.
“So the past two events actually went quite well,” said Appomattox Regional Governor’s School student Nikolai Fiden. “We scored fourth and second, but there were a few challenges because part of our pits were stolen, so we had to buy all new stuff.”
The pit is the area set up for a team’s robot to maneuver. It was those materials, posters and other tools that were taken when a thief took the team’s trailer. But the team, called “404 Error Not Found,” has found a way to push ahead.
“One thing about our team that I love is our commitment and our drive,” said team member Caden Grayson. “Regardless of whether the trailer was stolen, regardless of if we had a bad day, we know how to pull it together and we know to get it done.”
Which is why, after fourth and second place finishes in two competitions since the trailer disappeared, they’re now moving on to the district championships on April 3rd.
They’re hoping that, over the next couple weeks, the community that has been so supportive already will help them fundraise to replace everything they need to go from setback to comeback.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us through this journey,” said Grayson. “It really means a lot.”
