On May 15, robotics team 696, the Circuit Breakers from Clark Magnet High School, hosted its annual team 696 banquet. This banquet is held not only for the students but also for their sponsors to thank them for their faith and commitment in the Clark robotics team. At the banquet, the team members looked at not only what they accomplished but also at the challenging times.

Every year a variety of awards are given out to students. This year there were awards for outstanding work in mechanical engineering, electrical, business and others. Jack Najarian, president of team 696, said, “It is an event I look forward to every year. The students and parents come together to have a good time, laugh and talk about robots. I will miss this team a lot next year. I can’t wait to see where they go next.” His teammates echoed his comments.

This year attendees were surprised when it was announced by the mentors that the first ever team 696 scholarships were being awarded to three seniors: Jack Najarian, Aleksandr Savchenkov and Cynthia Mirzaie. Team 696 is hoping to continue this as an annual award.

Junior Mika Stanghill said, “This was by far one of my most favorite events of the season. It was a privilege to see my fellow team members recognized for all their hard work.”

However, the annual banquet was not the last event for Team 696. On May 22, the team played a softball game to wrap up the year.

Team 696, the FIRST robotics team at Clark Magnet High School, involves hard working and enthusiastic students who are devoted to creating robots for the purpose of spreading awareness of science and technology-based education while competing in FIRST robotics competitions.

Contributed by Anna PARSAMYAN