BHS Participates in Annual First Global Challenge Virtually

Kent Haylock

The FIRST Global Challenge is an annual Olympics-style robotics competition that promotes education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, as well as careers for youths.  The challenge was hosted in Dubai in 2019, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; a host country was not selected this year.  Instead, the competition is being held virtually and Belize High School is once again representing the country.  Kent Haylock is a member of the BHS team and he speaks about the importance of STEM in the context of designing and using robots.

Kent Haylock, Senior, Belize High School

“The virtual robotics challenge is this year’s theme called “Connecting Communities” that First Global is hosting.  This year, we sadly couldn’t make it to a country to compete against other teams but we still have First Global Challenge going and we’re glad it’s still on.”

Isani Cayetano

“What are we looking at in terms of perhaps some of the works that you guys are doing in the field of robotics?”

Kent Haylock

“Since it’s online, we’re modeling our projects.  We recently had a new project that came out where we have to create a model of a robot that could do a daily task.”

Isani Cayetano

“What’s your robot doing?”

Kent Haylock

“I’m discussing with the team that we could make a model of the robot taking out the trash.”

Isani Cayetano

“How does this help, in terms of developing your technological skills as a high school student?”

Kent Haylock

“First it inspires young minds to have critical thinking skills and innovative skills and I see the benefit of being a part of First [Global] and they also inspire young minds to learn about STEM.  STEM helps me in my builds and that is why I am able to do the designs that I love to do.”