James Lockman has been a mentor for the Gorham-Falmouth FIRST® Robotics Team 172 since 2009 when his oldest son, Arthur (FHS ’13) joined the team. At first, he helped with rules and the website, before transitioning to an event volunteer, providing play-by-play announcing during matches at events. He was recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year at the FIRST World Championship (Detroit) in 2019.
Courtesy of Team 172Team 172 Mentors Tim Plumer and James Lockman.
James enthusiastically stated that “FIRST provides a safe space for all students to thrive. The team has students of all abilities and interests on our team, and the coaches and mentors work very hard to ensure that all students have a meaningful role in the team’s success. Unlike traditional sports, where all students must be skilled at the game, we need students who excel at public speaking, marketing, graphic design, storytelling, dancing, organization and project management.”
In addition to team members having a variety of skills, mentors bring a range of backgrounds, talents and experiences to the team. A FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) team needs engineers and scientists but also bookkeepers, project managers, photographers, writers, small business owners, cooks and custodians. FIRST students and adult family members are able to work together cooperatively and develop an appreciation for each other’s attitudes, work habits, skills, talents and contributions.
Courtesy of Team 172Team 172 drivers at Pine Tree District Event.
The FIRST Team is about more than building robots. It is about adults and students working together on a common goal. It is a partnership and a learning opportunity that benefits all participants. People are what make this experience successful and fulfilling each year.
The culmination of the season is a March Madness type event with two complete tournaments played every week for 8 weeks. Team 172 plays in two or three of those tournaments every year, hoping to earn the right to play with 80 teams in the New England District Championship in Springfield, MA and ultimately the FIRST World Championship with 400 teams in Houston, Texas.
James continued, “FIRST isn’t just about the tournaments. Students learn skills that take them to careers. How many basketball players ever go pro? Very few. How many electrical engineers, computer programmers, or machine tool operators ever become professionals? All of them! FIRST is a direct pipeline for Maine employers to find motivated, skilled workers, and we are proud to help deliver the future workers for Maine technology and manufacturing companies.”
If you are interested in joining James and many other Gorham adults and parents as a mentor to the FIRST Team, please contact Clare and Meredith Greenlaw at firstteam172@gmail.com or 207-632-7108.