(Story written by Eric Rice)
On June 1st, 2024, the West Haven High School Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Team, called the Swamp Devils, competed in the International SeaPerch Competition at the University of Maryland. The team took 1st place in the fan-favorite - Real World Innovation Challenge and finished 30th out of 79 high school teams participating in the Stock Class. The Swamp Devils qualified for the competition by taking 1st place in the Connecticut Regional qualifying competition earlier this year.
Students competed against teams from four continents and seven different countries. Teams participated from New Zealand, China, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Students were able to experience college dorm life with their international peers and spent time exploring a top research university.
Westies competed in two pool events called the Obstacle Course and the Mission Course. In addition, students prepared a technical design report and a real-world innovation poster. Justin Woychowski led the effort for the research poster focused on how ROVs could be used for search and rescue in a turbid environment. The obstacle course challenge tested high-speed maneuverability and required the ROV to navigate the course as quickly as possible. The Swamp Devils successfully halved their time from the Connecticut qualifying competition.
The Mission Course simulated the tasks and environment that an ROV might encounter while exploring the harsh environments that surround hydrothermal vents. The Swamp Devils tripled their score in this event from the Connecticut qualifying competition.
Mr. Eric Rice and Mr. Robert Piccuillo were the team advisors. Both were impressed with the extra work the Westies logged and were more impressed with the professional manner in which the students handled themselves throughout the year. Our team is grateful for the support provided to us by the Board of Education and West Haven School Administration.
The following students attended the International Competition:
Mikael Caliandra
Sebastian Espinoza Zambrano
Cristopher Hernandez
Andrew McLarty
Isaac Morales
Ryan Ni
Shiv Patel
Sufyan Sayed
Alyssa Spitler
Akeem Traore
Justin Woychowski
Although unable to attend the International Competition, the following students participated with the team throughout the year:
Demealio Black
Bryan Brown
Muhammad Hamed
Tanjib Jamil
Mustafa Osman
Ahmed Osman
Steven Polanco
Johann Quinones