Ohio County Schools Celebrates Success of ‘Gateway To The West”
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WHEELING - Ohio County Schools is celebrating the success of the recent "Gateway To The West" robotics tournament, and at least one board of education member suggests its economic impact might be bigger than that of the West Virginia "Super Six" state football championships at Wheeling Island Stadium.
Board of Education member Erik Schramm thanked all the volunteers, donors and sponsors who assisted with the event.
"We got a lot of compliments," he said. "People realized when they went - and there were people who went who had no connection to the school district - that it was a larger event than the Super Six with over 1,000 kids (attending Gateway To The West). There were parents there four days, and there were hotel rooms full."
By comparison, the Super Six tournament takes place over two days and involves six football teams, their coaches and supporters staying locally and eating in local restaurants.
JoJo Shay, innovation coordinator for Ohio County Schools, thanked not just the board for their support, but also Ohio County officials for making Gateway To The West a reality.
"Thank you to the Ohio County Commission for having the vision to build The Highlands Sports Complex," she said.
Shay said she was waiting for some final numbers to determine total costs and money raised with the tournament. The Ohio County Commission already has excused $4,500 of the costs incurred by the school district.
Shay explained last year she and WPHS robotics coach Luke Shepherd traveled to Michigan to speak to the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (REC), who manages the competition. Their discussion turned to the amenities of The Highlands Sports Complex.
"They (REC) wanted to see the facility, and they looked it up while we were there. They said it was a fabulous facility," Shay said. "People (at the tournament) gave us a lot of compliments on the facility and having everything together in one spot.
"The fact we could showcase that is something that we are proud of."
Shay said there were more than 750 students representing 140 teams competing, and they came from 15 states and Canada to Ohio County.
A team from Canada won the middle school competition, and Shay said she saw them being honored by the staff as they had a celebratory dinner at Texas Roadhouse at The Highlands.
"That's very exciting to be bringing people into our area," she said. "Again, we're very proud to be stepping into not just a national but an international arena where we can see where our kids stand in relation to what other people are doing in other places."
Three Wheeling Park High School finished among the top 20 teams in Gateway To The West and made it to the elimination rounds.
Ohio County Schools has only had robotics teams for three teams, and despite its successes is still only in its infancy, she continued.
Schramm said he also noticed many Ohio County Schools employees donating their time to the event, including Human Resources Director Susan Nolte and Attendance Director Amy Minch.
"In Ohio County Schools, I guess we've come to expect these things, but I can't believe that they are required," he said. "So for all of you who took time away from your families and all the things you might actually rather be doing... thank you so very, very much."
Board member Molly Aderholt called the event "very cool," "very amazing," and something that as a board member she was proud to see.
Andy Garber, president of the board of education, attended the event on three of its four days. He commended those working with the students.
"To watch those kids use that equipment is quite impressive," he said. "The STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program is one that is in good hands."
He specifically addressed Shay.
"JoJo, you're special, girl," he said. "You pulled that off, and that was really something great. A lot of people are leaving Ohio County and saying, 'What a great community.'"