March 15, 2022

Sophomore recognized for leadership in robotics

Mahir Parmar, an Upper St. Clair High School sophomore, was recently named one of three Finalists for Dean’s List recognition in the Pennsylvania FIRST Tech Challenge. The three Finalists will represent Pennsylvania in the running for the 10 Dean's List Winner spots at the FIRST Championship 2022, which will be held April 20 - April 23, 2022 in Houston, Texas.

The announcement was made during the Pennsylvania FTC Championship on March 12, 2022, at Saucon Valley Middle School, in eastern Pennsylvania. Mahir is a member of the robotics team – 18603 TeraBridges, one of the three USC Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge teams.

“FIRST Dean's List Finalists are outstanding student leaders whose passion for and effectiveness at embodying FIRST ideals is exemplary,” Thomas Zawislak, Pennsylvania FIRST Robotics representative, said. “We are very proud of Mahir’s achievements and the fact that he represents your team and our Pennsylvania FIRST Tech Challenge program.”

FIRST Dean’s List finalists were nominated by their teams for their direct contributions and impact on others – exemplifying leadership and commitment, on their FIRST Tech Challenge team, in their school and in their community.

In addition to robotics, Mahir has earned recognition through his involvement with Future Business Leaders of America. He placed fifth nationally in the Introduction to Business category at FBLA’s National Leadership Conference last summer. Mahir recently participated in the 2022 Health Professions Prep program at the University of Pittsburgh. He is also involved in Upper St. Clair High School’s eSports Club.

The FIRST Tech Challenge program challenges teams of middle and high school-aged students to design, build and program a robot to play a floor game against other teams’ creations. Students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. Learn more at www.ftcpenn.org.