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Back in 1997, the McDowell Senior High School librarian, Leigh Kostis, received a letter which explained what FIRST Robotics was. Ms. Kostis was very interested and took the letter to the principal. That year, 14 strong-willed and anxious seniors with one mentor (Bob Hamilton) and one sponsor (GPU Energy) got together and formed the first FIRST Robotics team in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

To this day, The Red Barons follow the principles of FIRST, providing students the opportunity to experience the real-world value of science, technology, and teamwork. Students work together, guided by mentors from local businesses and manufacturers, to fund, plan, design, and manufacture a robot to compete in the FIRST Robotics competition. Through this experience, students learn a positive work ethic, build personal character, self-confidence, sense of pride, and accomplishment.

The Red Barons consists of students from McDowell and Fairview High School. However, several other FIRST teams are now in the local area. Team 291, Creativity in Action (CIA), consists of students from the Erie School District. Team 306, Corry Robotics, is a FIRST team from Corry, PA. And finally, Team 2544, HCRC (Harborcreek Robotics Club), consisting of the Harborcreek School District.

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