Press release
BATAVIA, NY (03/25/2024) On Thursday, March 21, GCC welcomed over 800 6th through 12th grade Technology students from districts throughout the GLOW region for the 15th Annual GLOW Region Tech Wars.
We also welcomed over 100 3rd -5th grade students to participate in the STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars event which took place alongside the main event. The event was a huge success, with students showcasing their skills and knowledge in technology and engineering.
In the middle school category, Batavia took the top prize, followed by Dansville in second place and Warsaw in third place. In the high school category, Batavia took home first place, with Dansville in second place and Geneseo finished in third.
“I want to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the 15th Tech Wars. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and it’s inspiring to see so many talented students from across the GLOW Region come together to showcase their skills and knowledge. I also want to express our gratitude to our generous sponsors; whose support made this event possible. At Genesee Community College, we are committed to providing students with the resources, education, and opportunities they need to succeed, and we hope that events like this will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders in technology and engineering,” said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) programs at Genesee Community College.
“Thank you once again to EVERYONE who assisted with the 15th Annual Tech Wars. The success of Tech Wars could not have been without the collaboration of our GLOW region Technology Teachers, community sponsors and volunteers, and the GCC community. It takes a village (or the collaboration of many). Thank you ALL.,” shared Ann Valento.
Tech Wars has been continually supported by many local manufacturers and organizations. The 2024 event is yet again, presented with a record number of sponsors. Gold Sponsors: Amada Tool America, Inc; Barilla America, NY, Inc; GCEDC; Graham Manufacturing; I.B.E.W. Local Union 86; Liberty Pumps and Northeast Industrial Tech Inc. Silver and Bronze Sponsors: Morton Salt, Inc; Power and Construction Group; Takeform; and the Varysburg Lions Club. The generosity of the Tech Wars sponsors enable the committee to offer two scholarships per year to encourage graduating seniors to enter the technology and trade fields and potentially stay or return to the GLOW region with their skills.
Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the 15th Annual Tech Wars organizing committee is able to offer a $300 scholarship this year to our sole applicant.
To be eligible to apply, the student had to be a Senior from a participating GLOW Region school district who had successfully competed in at least one year of Tech Wars and is planning to move on to a career or apprenticeship or attend a post-secondary institution in a technology or related field or program.
Our recipient this year has participated in Tech Wars three years – two years as a competitor and one year as a teacher assistant/coach. This student is a scholar athlete and section 5 state qualifier in swimming; member of National Honor Society, Boy Scouts of America, and multiple bands and ensemble groups through Batavia High School. Hard work and perseverance have earned this student acceptance into the Electrical Engineering program at RIT. After earning his Electrical Engineering degree, this student would like to pursue a career on the East Coast and dedicate his skills and expertise to areas affected by natural disasters and rapid urbanization. He would eventually like to pay forward his skills and dedication by training and leading a team of engineers.
Photo courtesy of GCC
Congratulations and all the best to Matt Doeringer of Batavia High School!
For more information about the various career exploration and dual enrollment opportunities and ACE supported events at GCC, please contact Ann Valento, Genesee Community College director of ACE programs at 585-343-0055 ext. 6316 or amvalento@genesee.edu .