Students of today are facing a future where automation is set to replace more jobs than ever before.

In order to compete in this new job market, students will need a good background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related fields. The Dowagiac Union High School Robotics Club was created to give students with an interest in these STEM topics, and particularly automation, an opportunity to do something above and beyond what is done in the classroom.

Students are given a set of tasks, and must build a robot capable of completing those tasks in only six weeks. It is an intense period known as “the build season,” and students routinely put in 10 to 12 hour days six days a week during the build season.

It’s quite a thing to see students wanting to put in this much effort, and it’s because they are interested in the work.

The club could not operate, however, without many other people supporting the club and our students. The club has sponsors that support us financially and mentors who give their time and expertise to these students.

There is one individual who not only supports us financially, but also generously gives his time and expertise to our students.

Bob Symonds, owner and operator of Symonds Machine Company, has been there since the club was founded. Each year, Bob is there during the design process, listening to students’ ideas and guiding them with his expertise. Most of the parts on our robots are machined by Bob and his sons, who are also youth members of our team.

Each year the amount of time, effort, material and financial support that Bob gives to the club has increased. It is to the point now where it would be difficult to imagine the operation of our club without him.

Bob does all of this for the club, but what is even more remarkable is that is only a part of what he does for the schools and community.

He is heavily involved with scouting and the Boy Scouts.  He sponsors automotive and dirt bike racing teams.  He is heavily involved in anything that his sons are involved in, whether it be the high school band or any other school related activity, and is willing to help any student he is in contact with during these activities.

He does all of this on top of being a business owner in our community.

It’s a rare thing to find someone willing to give so much of themselves to the students and the community. Bob Symonds is very deserving of recognition for all that he does.

 

JENNINGS BROSNAN

Robotics Club advisor