Students in New River Middle School Marine Science Magnet Program’s Marine ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Club are getting ready to take on their peers from around the country.  The students are competing in the National Sea Perch Challenge, which takes placeat the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, on May 29-30, 2015.  The competition includes more than 100 teams from across the nation.

Sea Perch is an innovative underwater robotics program, which allows students to build an ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme.

The New River Marine ROV Club had two teams qualify for the National Sea Perch Challenge:

• The Sandbar Sharks team includes: Sabrina Ruiz, Beatriz DeHuelbes, Kimberly Correia, Michael Moss and Jahis Moore. The students qualified for the national competition after winning second place during a competition in March 2015 - the team’s first-ever competition.

• The Tiger Sharks team includes Mia Rodriguez, Branden Treacy, Jake Finkin and Dubraska Robles.  The Tiger Sharks qualified for nationals after earning third place overall during a competition in April 2015.  

The New River Marine ROV Club was established a year ago after receiving a grant.  Magnet Coordinator Katherine O’Fallon, along with Marine Science teacher, Kyle Lendick, began the after school club as an innovative way to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related activities that were directly integrated with the school’s Marine Science Magnet Program.

“This is a perfect fit for our Marine Science Magnet Program, it allows our students to combine their passion for the marine environment and interest in technology; and it exposes them to the variety of careers in the marine industry,” says Katherine O’Fallon, magnet coordinator.  

“This is an exciting time for the New River Middle School Marine ROV teams, as well as all of the students and faculty at our school” said New River Middle Principal Melinda Wessinger. “This project started with an idea and a commitment to marine-based learning for all students. I am beaming with pride that in two short years, Marine ROV has evolved from a vision, to having not one, but two teams going to the National Sea Perch Challenge. Go Sharks!”

For more information on the New River Middle Marine ROV Club, contact Marine Science Magnet Coordinator Katherine O’Fallon, at 754-323-3600.