Craft Academy student to compete in World Robotics Competition

Shawn Nelson, a junior at Morehead State's Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Math, is a finalist for the FIRST® Tech Challenge Dean's List Award.  

Nelson is from Jefferson County and is one of only two Kentuckians to be named as finalists to represent the state at the FIRST® World Robotics Competition in Houston next month. He said he first heard about FIRST® Robotics from his older sister, who also competed in events in the past. He said being a student at the Craft Academy allowed him to build a strong robotics team.   
 
"Craft allowed me to focus on the other aspects of building a team without focusing on just the financial fundraising," Nelson said. "I really enjoyed several aspects of the robotics team - from working hands-on and helping to build the robot to learning computer programming. I also enjoyed leading others on the team and providing an opportunity for the other members to participate and learn."  

The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.  

"I am humbled to represent my team, Craft Academy and Kentucky as a Dean's List Finalist. It has been a tremendous amount of hard work to get to reach this goal and I am thankful for all who have supported and sacrificed along the way," Nelson added.   

The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior years of high school by enrolling in college courses. The Craft Academy's purpose is to meet the unique educational needs of academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors in the Commonwealth.  

For more information, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy, email craftacdemy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.