THE BEGINNING

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Our Founding Team

​​Camdenton LASER (Laker Science, Engineering, and Robotics) FIRST® team was founded in the fall of 2009. The founding mentors included:

Mitch Comer- PLTW teacher, Camdenton R-III Schools
Sherry Comer- Director of Afterschool Services, Camdenton R-III Schools
Troy Beard- Software Engineer, Electrovert
Jim Morris- Mechanical Engineer, Electrovert
Jim Jackson - Civil Engineer, Lake Professional Engineering

 LASER applied for, received, and utilized 4-H/JCPenney Afterschool funds to start a FIRST® (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) robotics program. Mr. and Mrs. Comer also applied for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Afterschool Grant to provide additional funds to build a foundation the inaugural FIRST® FRC team in central Missouri. Though the grants were awarded late in the year, LASER was able to persevere and problem solve to bag and tag on time. 

The inaugural LASER 3284 impressed judges and spectators at competition. The rookie team won the St. Louis Regional, securing their bid for the World Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. This was just the beginning of the "HARDEST FUN EVER!" for the members, coaches, mentors, and families of LASER 3284.