McDonalds Hawai’i Donates to HS Robotics Programs

Hawai’i robotics teams at the 2015 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, also known as FIRST, Hawai’i Robotic Regional Competition, have received a $46,000 donation from McDonald’s Restaurant of Hawai’i.

During the competition’s opening ceremony on Saturday, McDonald’s owners and operators presented a check for $40,000 that is to be divided between the 26 Hawai’i robotics teams participating in the competition. Six of the schools, including the Big Island’s Kealakehe High School received an additional $1,000 from McDonalds. The six teams will be moving on to the world championship in St. Louis, Mo. later in April.

A total of 36 teams, 26 from Hawai’i and another 10 from both the mainland and internationally participated in this year’s competition. Hilo High School and West Hawaii Exploration Academy, in addition to Kealakehe High School, participated in this year’s event.

“We are so proud that this is the fourth year that McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii has sponsored the FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition,” said Lenny Klompus, president of Friends of Hawai’i Robotics. “We are so grateful for their continuous statewide support of our students. The breakfast sandwich donation during competition and the additional funds raised for the Hawaii teams is greatly appreciated by every team, student, teacher and mentor. Thanks to McDonald’s of Hawai’i, the future of our robotics students are brighter today.”

McDonalds was the official breakfast sponsor for the FIRST in Hawai’i Robotics Regional Competition for the fourth year. Breakfast sandwiches were served to all participating students in the competition.

Additionally, McDonalds held a state-wide robotics fundraiser from March 15 through Mach 22, where every Egg McMuffin sandwich, Egg McMuffin Extra Value Meal, Egg White Delight McMuffin sandwhich, and Egg White Delight McMuffin Extra Value Meal sold earned a $1 robotics donation.

“We are proud to support our future leaders of Hawaii, especially these students and their passion for robotics and STEM education,” said Victor Lim, McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawai’i owner/operator. “All of their hard work and dedication was demonstrated at this weekend’s competition. The challenge was difficult and each team presented a creative approach to tackle the game. We wish the best of luck to the qualifying teams headed to the world championship.”