Chicago Math and Science Academy robotics team wins big

Robotitan member Roshaan Sidiqui adjusts the team's award winning robot. The robotitans are Chciago Math and Science Academy's high school robotics team. (Stephanie Rothman/MEDILL)
Robotitan member Roshaan Sidiqui adjusts the team's award winning robot. The Robotitans are Chicago Math and Science Academy's high school robotics team. (Stephanie Rothman/MEDILL)

By Stephanie Rothman

The Chicago Math and Science Academy’s robotics team, the Robotitans, won a prestigious national award at a competition in St. Louis that attracted some 15,000 high school students.

Roshaan Sidiqui, 17, won the Dean’s List award, named after the founder of the engineering nonprofit “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” or FIRST. The award adds to the more than 30 already earned by the Robotitans since the team started four years ago.

Through Robotitans, team members say they learn important skills besides engineering, including team-building, networking and leadership.

Photo at top: Robotitan member Roshaan Sidiqui, 17 adjusts the team’s award winning robot. The Robotitans are Chicago Math and Science Academy’s high school robotics team. (Stephanie Rothman/MEDILL)