Once again the stands were filled with supporting fans at The FIRST Robotics Bayou Regional Robotics Competition which was held March 19-21, 2009. This year the tournament was held at the UNO Arena. Thirty-Four teams from nine different states competed in the tournament.

API-Delta helped sponsor the event and has allocated a $1500 scholarship toward a student participating in the event and pursuing a degree pertaining to the petroleum industry. Kudos to Oceaneering International for providing an ROV simulator to enlighten students on utilizing their robotic education in the petroleum industry. What a big hit! Thanks to Matt Dragna and James Hotard. Appreciation also goes to oil industry. Also volunteering for this event were Art Johnson, Lisa Ingraham, Barney Paternostro, Peggy Bourgeois, Barbara Giangrosso and Steve Strain.

This competition was extremely exciting. It was very impressive to see the fine, quality high school students build human size robots and spar them against each other. What positive role models! This was a wonderful, enlightening event for all ages. For more information: Louisiana FIRST LEGO League and FRC Bayou Regional website.