(December 11, 2007) — Like every calendar year, the first Saturday will kick off the robotics “build” season. Last year’s Robotics team placed second in Los Angeles competition, first in the San Diego. While they didn’t place in the nationals competition in Atlanta Georgia this year the class hopes to place all the way. Clark is known for its many classes and one-of-a-kind programs, one of the most famous of which is Robotics. Year in and year out, students and faculty expect great things from the class. Some new changes, effective this year, may leave the team in the winner’s circle or in the gutter. Last year, about half of the Robotics team graduated, forcing the remaining team members to not only learn new skills, but also to also teach their skills to the new members. In addition, the Robotics team advisor, math teacher Charles DeVore, has taken the job of Clark’s third counselor this year. Surprisingly, students say this move on DeVore’s part has not hindered his ability to support the group, but rather has strengthened it. Senior Angie Wang said, “Mr. DeVore has a lot more time for us, he doesn’t seem to be distracted by his counseling at all.” Some of the many new students have a lot to live up to, as freshman Laura Widholm knows. “This is my first official year as a Clark student, but I used to hang out at the meetings,” said Widholm, younger sister of senior Scott Widholm. She has been going to Robotics meetings and events since her brother’s first year and was glad to have made the team. “Mr. DeVore only picks the people that he thinks will really help the team.” There are 15 members this year, half of which are new to the team. During the off-season, meetings are dedicated to the instruction of students. While most students might think that Robotics may force members’ grades to slip, this is not the case. Members are given a two-hour study time during meetings in which they must do homework. “My brother’s grade actually went up, mostly because he had to do his homework,” Laura said.