This past weekend, Kailua High School‘s Underwater Robotics team won fourth place in the high school division of the 12th Annual Marine Advanced Technology Education international competition, which challenges students to build a remotely operated vehicle. The team also took a team award for its unique thruster design.

The Kailua High team, which won the regional competition, organized a robotics company called Surfrider Marine Recovery Systems. As required by this year’s competition, their vehicle could help install, operate and maintain an underwater system that observes changes in the ocean.

Several organizations, including the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, helped cover the costs of travel and lodging for the team’s 11 student members.

One of the Kailua teammates, Christopher Campos, also received the Martin Bowen Memorial Inspiration for Future Engineers Award.

 

Kailua High School team shot. Front row L-R: Jacob Valencia, Romnick Valmoja, Kristen Izumigawa, Austin Vegas, Jian Madiam. Second row L-R: Michael Sabate, Samuel Rasay Jr., Ipo Silva, Christopher Campos, Leonid Poleshaj, Mentor. (Photo courtesy of Kimi Kamiyama.)

— Alia Wong