ONTARIO — When Gabriella Allen was younger, she was bullied and struggled to find her place.
When her parents registered her for the Stellar Robotics organization her freshman year, said she loathed the idea.
“I really didn’t want to be there,” she said. “I was worried it would be one more thing people would be able to bully me about.”
Three years later, no one is mocking her now.
Allen, 17, was awarded with the Dean’s List Award at the Miami Valley Regional Competition, Saturday, March 12. The Dean’s List Award is given to two nominees per region who capture the spirit and passion of robotics.Â
“When she came in as a freshman, we felt she had great skills in public speaking and we put her to use, using that,” said Chantal DeYoe, head mentor of Stellar Robotics. “She has a ton of energy and is always starting things. She helps with the younger First Lego League team. She has served on the drive team — operating the robot — and as a programmer for us.”
Allen, an Ontario home-schooled student, said her passion for the robotics team stems from the love, support and trust she is given by all of her teammates. As a freshman (in the team’s first year) she was asked to operate the robot, a gesture that was not lost on the then 14-year-old.
“Even though the competition didn’t really mean anything, I was still shocked they trusted me with (the responsibility),” she said. “I went with it, and from there was the operator.
“I was able to see my own confidence grow.”
Now a three-year vet on the team and full of confidence, Allen said seeing newcomers have similar energy for the team gives her a fresh sense of passion and excitement.
At the March 12 competition, she said she had a moment she will remember for her whole life.
“When they announced my name as the winner, I could feel all the excitement of the team. They were all trying to hug me,” she said. “In that moment, I knew I’d never be as loved or accepted as I am in this group. I am humbled and shocked by this award. I am humbled Stellar even thought I’d be able to win this award.”
Allen will travel to St. Louis to compete with other finalists for the award from all over the world for the title of Dean’s Award Winner, and a chance at scholarship opportunities.
Allen said she plans to attend either Belmont University or Bowling Green University to study vocal performance and minor in education. Her robotics itch will be continued as she plans to start and mentor a junior high or middle school robotics team.
