JPII S.H.I.E.L.D. Robotics

John Paul II Catholic School's VEX Robotics program website, submitted for the DELL Technologies Website Challenge.

Our Teams

Over the years, John Paul II's high school and middle school programs have grown immensely; we now have three high school teams, as well as two middle school teams, for a total of five VEX Robotics competing teams.




HS 61317A

Team Leader: Jacob Krebs

Members: Jacob Krebs, Thomas Mazzeo, Samantha Reilly, Nia Poacher, Trey DeTurris

Team 61317A is one of three high school teams, made up of the most senior members of our robotics program.

Team stats



HS 61317B

Team Leader: Steven Schidrich

Members: Steven Schidrich, Joseph Humphrey, Renzo Cedeno, Carson Holley, Owen Sullivan

Team 61317B is the second of our three high school teams, made up of primarily intermediate program members.

Team stats



HS 61317D

Team Leader: Austin O’Quinn

Members: Austin O’Quinn, William Rooney, Jason Cohen, Sam Rembold, Theodore Oldham, Landon Oblinger

Team 61317D is the third of our three high school teams, made up of primarily underclassmen.

Team stats



MS 61317M Girl Power

Members: Jayden Sylvester, Trice McClure, Madison Burke, Abigail Clarke

Team 61317M is our designated girls-only middle school team.



MS 61317S

Members: Jack Hannigan, Michael Fitzgibbons, Aadi Patel

Team 61317S is the second of our two middle school teams.

Our Program

John Paul II's VEX Robotics program is an integral part of our computer science curriculum.




Ephesians 6:13-17

Our team names are inspired by one of our favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 6:13-17 (below).

"That is why you must take up all God's armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance on the evil day, or stand your ground even though you exert yourselves to the full. So stand your ground, with truth a belt round your waist, and uprightness a breastplate, wearing for shoes on your feet the eagerness to spread the gospel of peace and always carrying the shield of faith so that you can use it to quench the burning arrows of the Evil One. And then you must take salvation as your helmet and the sword of the Spirit, that is, the word of God."

Our S.H.I.E.L.D. values are Service, High Expectations, Innovation, Excellence, Leadership, and Discipleship.



Mrs. Cadra Rooney

Cadra Rooney has been teaching both middle and high school for 19 years, 4 years at John Paul II Catholic School. Her current schedule includes: Gateway Computer Science for Innovators & Makers and App Creators. Project Lead The Way Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principals, Computer Science A, and Cybersecurity. Mrs. Rooney also manages 2 independent study robotics sessions and 1 IT independent study session. Not only is she the coach for the school’s 5 robotics teams, she also sponsors the school’s HS and MS quiz bowl teams and chapter of the Technology Student Association. Having been involved with STEM education and curriculum development throughout her career, Mrs. Rooney truly enjoys watching students grow and succeed in JPII’s project-based course offerings and S.H.I.E.L.D. Robotics program.

Quotes from team members

"Having been on the team for 4 years, I have developed skills and knowledge well beyond the classroom. It has also helped with patience and persistence involving design development and testing." ~ Steven Schidrich, 61317B

“I enjoy the challenge of building and coding our robot. And it’s exciting to see it perform.” ~ Jayden Sylvester, 61317M

"Working with the Robotics teams on the team website has allowed me to improve my skills, both in programming and in communication. As my high school years draw to a close, I've grown from a beginner to a semi-professional with regards to web design and development; the opportunity provided by our Robotics program has been invaluable, and I'll be forever greatful for the experience." ~ Owen Sullivan, 61317B

Competitions

The various competitions our VEX Robotics teams have attended over the years, in order to date.




The Cougar Challenge

Lady's Island Middle School, 2017

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West Ashley Robotics Lowcountry Kickoff

West Ashley High School, 2017

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Lady's Island Cold Metal Robot Rumble

Lady's Island Middle School, 2017

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West Ashley Robotics Regional Qualifier

West Ashley High School, 2018

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Lowcountry Qualifier

College Park Middle School, 2018

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The Cougar High School Challenge

Beaufort High, 2019

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West Ashley Robotics Winter Classic

West Ashley High School, 2019

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The Final Countdown

Palmetto Scholars Academy, 2019

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Reach Rise Soar Turning Point Invitational

Polaris Tech, 2019

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SC VRC High School State Championship

West Ashley High School, 2019

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Reach Rise Soar VEX VRC Qualifier

Polaris Tech, 2019

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Lowcountry Qualifier

College Park Middle School, 2019

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Warrior Challenge

John Paul II Catholic School, 2020

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Last Chance Invitational

Polaris Tech, 2020



State Championship

West Ashley High School, 2020

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VRC Falcons Fall Skills Only Event

Sevier Middle School, 2020



VRC JL Mann Upstate Fall Tournament

JL Mann High School, 2020



VRC Phoenix Skills Only Challenge

Palmetto Scholars Academy, 2020

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Clemson University VIQC Skills Challenge

Virtual, 2021

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VRC Phoenix Winter Tournament

Palmetto Scholars Academy, 2021

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VRC JL Mann Upstate Spring Tournament

JL Mann High School, 2021



2021 SC VEX State Championships

JL Mann High School, 2021

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Sponsors and Affiliations

We're very fortunate to be sponsored by a group of corporate and private donors.




REC Foundation

The REC Foundation utilizes online resources, curriculums, and programs to support robotics and technology events and initiatives aimed to inspire and motivate students to excel in STEM education.



Girl Powered

Girl Powered is committed to showing how exciting it is to be involved with STEM, showcasing examples of how women are changing the world, providing tools for success, and enabling comfortable environments where all students confidence and abilities can flourish.



4M Metals

4M METALS is a supplier and fabricator of metal roofing components for the Low Country, Beaufort, Savannah and surrounding areas.

Steve and Maryann Mangiaracina

Private Donors

Gleason Family Foundation, Inc.

Private Donors

Contact Us

Contact us by phone or by email, and be sure to ask about all of our available sponsorship packages!




Address

4211 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936

We host competitions out of our school's gym, next to the main building.


Phone

(843) 645-3838

This number routes directly to our school's front office; to reach our Robotics director, ask for Mrs. Cadra Rooney.


Email

[email protected]

The quickest way to make an inquiry about our program is to email our Robotics director directly.

School Mission Statement


John Paul II Catholic School educates students of all faiths in a caring, Christ-centered environment. We prepare students to be scholars with a soul in accordance with the traditions of the Catholic faith and through the intentional commitment to our core values of service, high expectations, innovation, excellence, leadership, and discipleship.