Excitement, teamwork, and school pride filled the arena on April 21 as The Carver’s middle school robotics students gathered at NHRL in Norwalk for the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics. With two teams from each of Norwalk’s four middle schools—Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and West Rocks Middle School—the event brought together students, families, teachers, and supporters to celebrate creativity, persistence, and hands-on learning.
Throughout the showcase, students put their skills to the test in a series of lively robotics challenges, including Precision Parking, Tunnel Run, Retrieval & Transport, and the Line Follow Sprint. Using the ERIC robot, they demonstrated not only growing knowledge of gears, motors, sensors, and structural design, but also the patience, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are at the heart of STEM learning.
Mary Martini, The Carver’s Manager of Middle and High School Programs, served as the emcee, guiding the event with energy and encouragement. Novelette Peterkin, CEO of The Carver, and Rafael Soliven of Conair served as judges, while NHRL staff were on hand throughout the competition to help troubleshoot and support students as needed.
After a terrific afternoon of competition, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy took top prize, with Nathan Hale Middle School earning second place. But the real victory belonged to all of the students who stepped into the spotlight, rose to the challenge, and showed what can happen when young people are given opportunities to explore innovation in a fun, supportive environment.
The Carver extends heartfelt thanks to the many people and partners who made this special event possible. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and families for encouraging and cheering on our students. Special thanks to our sponsors—NHRL, Conair, Sound Control Technologies, BMW of Darien, and Terex—for investing in opportunities that help students build confidence and skills. We are also especially grateful to The McChord Foundation for its valued support of Carver Innovators and its belief in the power of hands-on learning to inspire young people.
And thank you to NHRL for hosting this exciting showcase and for helping make robotics more accessible to the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.
Programs like Carver Innovators remind us that when students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and persevere, they do far more than build robots. They build confidence. They build skills. And they begin to imagine bigger futures for themselves.
