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TUCSON, AZ – The Gila County 4-H underwater robotics team, the Gila Monsters, proved its ingenuity and teamwork on Saturday, May 3, by securing third place at the state-level competition held at the University of Arizona Recreation Center. The young team, comprised of budding engineers ages 8 to 14 – Isaac, Ethan, Thalia, Aston, Stratton, Rhett, Xavier, Alainn, Danny, Becca, Levi, and Silas – navigated challenging underwater tasks with a robot they designed and built themselves.
Over the past year, the Gila Monsters—a dedicated youth 4-H group—embarked on a journey to master complex technical skills. Through hands-on learning, they delved into areas like soldering, hydraulics, and buoyancy. This impressive achievement was made possible by the unwavering guidance of 4-H volunteers Toni DeAnda, David Ricke, Bobbi Jimenez, and Jenee Galt, bolstered by youth 4-H leader Lilly Meister. Essential parent support from Barry Johnson and Derek Hansen, coupled with a generous grant from Resolution Copper, also played a vital role in their success.
The road to their podium finish wasn’t without its challenges. On the day of the competition, the team faced a critical system failure with their remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Displaying remarkable composure and problem-solving skills, the Gila Monsters dove into action, troubleshooting the issue and successfully bringing the motor back online just in time for their second attempt at the demanding underwater course.
Their hard work and dedication were further recognized with accolades for both their “Best of Marketing” and “Engineering” presentations, highlighting not only their technical prowess but also their ability to effectively communicate their project.
The Gila Monsters participate in the SeaMATE ROV program, an initiative designed to engage youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the exciting world of underwater robotics.
The team extends a heartfelt thank you to their parents for their unwavering support throughout the year, including the journey to Tucson for the competition.
For youth in Gila County eager to explore similar opportunities, 4-H registration opens in October. Adults interested in making a difference in the lives of young people and bringing further enriching programs to the Globe-Miami-San Carlos communities are strongly encouraged to consider volunteering with 4-H. Please contact the Gila County Cooperative Extension Office for more information on how you can get involved.
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