Robotics students fundraising for SeaPerch International Challenge trip

On Friday, high school and middle school students in the Wahkiakum Mecha Mules Robotics Club qualified for the SeaPerch International Underwater Robotics Competition, which takes place in Maryland in May. Wahkiakum School District will cover airfare for the seven member team and coaches headed to the competition, but the team is hoping to raise about $12,000 to support the trip, which will include a visit to Washington D.C., as well as other SkillsUSA and FIRST Tech Challenge competitions.

Donations are welcome. Sponsors will be recognized on club shirts, banners, and promotions. Checks should be made out to Wahkiakum ASB. Be sure to print Mecha Mules on the memo line so the funds will be deposited in the correct account. Checks can be dropped off at the school or mailed to Wahkiakum School District, 500 S. 3rd St., PO Box 398, Cathlamet, WA 98612. For more information, send questions to info@mechamules.com.

There are also two fundraising events in the works. On Saturday, April 22, there will be a car wash at the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet from 12-5 p.m., and on Friday, April 28, from 3:30 to 8 p.m., there will be a fun Robot Expo for all ages. The club will perform demonstrations of their underwater and land robots at the Cathlamet Pool and in the Wahkiakum High School Robotics Room. Attendees will be able to race their own underwater ROV, play Duct Tape the Driver and other games and enjoy some concessions.