- Tempe Union High School District
- TUHSD Newsroom
2017 AZ Regional Robotics Teacher of the Year: MP’s Mel Wendell
Mountain Pointe High School Engineering teacher Mel Wendell has been named 2017 Arizona Regional Robotics Teacher of the Year by FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Ms. Wendell was nominated by her students and was presented with the award at the FRC 2017 Arizona West Regional which was held April 5-8 at Grand Canyon University.
According to FRC, the award recognizes that students cannot be “FIRST” without the help, guidance, and support of teachers. It honors those who give up their time, talent and enthusiasm to support robotics and who exemplify a positive role model, guidance, grace under pressure, fairness and compassion.
Mountain Pointe’s Pridetronics Club has grown from just a few members to 47 members strong over seven years under Wendell’s leadership. In their nomination letter, the students said she is “an inspiration to the Pridetronics family,” and “A dedicated mentor and teacher that the Pridetronics are lucky and grateful to have. She is not only there to provide comfort to her students but to guide the team through their FIRST journey.”
Wendell said she is honored to receive this award and that it’s extra special because the recognition is courtesy of her students.
“Engineering and Robotics has become my passion and to be recognized by my students means the world to me. I am proud to be their teacher and to see how much passion they have for engineering and robotics keeps me going strong,” she said.
The students pointed out their teacher’s passion, too.
“Mrs. Wendell's undying passion and love for STEM is what drives her as lead mentor… She makes it possible for the club to turn their ideas into reality. She not only runs the robotics team but teaches multiple levels of engineering classes, stressing the importance of engineering,” the students wrote.
Principal Bruce Kipper is proud of Wendell and the program that is flourishing under her leadership.
“She started the program just a few short years ago and it has grown so fast. The students are getting a great hands on experience working with local engineers and they are competing with the best in the state and the nation,” Mr. Kipper said.
The students also praised Wendell as an advocate for women in STEM.
“She has pushed for the formation of a Girls Robotics Day on the high school campus. Due to this, our number of female members has doubled! Melissa Wendell orchestrated visits from various women with PHDs in the engineering field to inspire females to participate in robotics or the engineering field. Wendell is, truly, a role model for all of the girls in the club with her strong, positive, attitude, firm beliefs, and impartial consideration,” they wrote.
While the students credit her with igniting the STEM flame in many of her students and building the Pridetronics into one of the best teams on campus, they also wanted to the judges to know the knowledge they are gaining from Ms. Wendell goes far beyond engineering.
“Mrs. Wendell stresses the importance of respect to teammates and others during competition. Many people in the club find that they can trust her with anything and turn to her in their times of need,” they wrote.
Mel Wendell will be recognized at the April 19, 2017 TUHSD Governing Board meeting.
April 13, 2017