The Annandale Public Schools School Board Work Session on May 12, 2025, featured an engaging robotics demonstration that highlighted the achievements of the school's robotics team during a challenging competition season.

The session began with a brief overview of the team's journey, which included a competition in Alabama that was notably affected by impending tornadoes. The team then returned to compete at the Granite City Regional in Saint Cloud and recently participated in the state tournament. The robotics team showcased their robot, named "Hard Times," which was designed to perform specific tasks within the competition's underwater-themed game.

The presentation detailed the robot's capabilities, including its ability to manipulate game pieces such as coral and algae. The team made strategic decisions early in the season to focus on tasks that were manageable within their resources, opting to prioritize placing multiple coral pieces for points rather than attempting more complex maneuvers that would require additional time and effort.

During the demonstration, the robot was shown to operate under the control of two drivers, with one managing its movements and the other handling the game pieces. The team also explained the role of a human player in the competition, who assists in loading game pieces into the robot.

The session concluded with a demonstration of the robot's functions, showcasing its ability to navigate the competition field and interact with game elements. The team expressed pride in their progress, noting that they had successfully achieved all their initial goals by the end of the season.

Overall, the robotics demonstration served as a testament to the students' hard work and innovation, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering STEM education and extracurricular activities. The board and attendees were encouraged to ask questions about the robot and the team's experiences in the competitions.