Kimia Hassibi, a junior at San Marino High School, recently traveled to Houston, where she was honored as a Dean’s List finalist at the FIRST Robotics competition’s national championships. FIRST—which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology—is a national non-profit corporation that inspires young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills,” according to the group’s website. San Marino High School participates in FIRST Robotics competitions and Kimia was selected by team mentors Scott Barton and Keiko Hiranaka based on her dedication to the program and its mission.
“At the Idaho Regional, I was interviewed by judges, and they asked me more about what I have done,” Kimia told The Tribune. “I basically told them my role on the team in cabinet and as business president and about the events and projects I undertook.”
Kimia was one of 100 Dean’s List finalists who were invited to Houston, where 13 were eventually selected.
“I was able to meet Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, the founders of FIRST, and spoke to other teams to learn how they became successful,” Kimia said. “I was also able to talk to several companies which were there presenting new, exciting technologies.”
Kimia’s contributions were key to San Marino High School’s Titanium Robotics team’s winning the Entrepreneurship Award at the Idaho Regional competition in early April.
Kimia also was privy to the theme of the 2019-20 season, which will be FIRST RISE, powered by Star Wars: Force for Change.
Barton reserves high praise for the young lady he helped nominate for the highest honor.
“Kimia is a great leader,” said Barton, who also teaches Physics at San Marino High School. “She goes about her responsibilities with an air of confidence and humor and she is respected by all of the team members. Kimia is extremely well organized and keeps on top of all the things that are going on in the club. I have never once had to remind her what to do.”
Robotics is fast becoming a year-round option for students and the San Marino club will once again be holding a two-day-a-week summer camp that is open to incoming freshmen and others who are interested in the program. The camp culminates with Robotics’ presence at the city’s 4th of July parade and fireworks show. Interested students are encouraged to contact Barton at San Marino High School.
