20 May 2022 An exceptional STEM program is evidenced in outstanding results on a National stage. Following a National Championship win in 2020, today the Senior Student STEM team were announced National Champions Professional Class ROV at the REA Foundation National Competition held at the Bosch Centre in Melbourne. "The outcome of being named National Champions is testament to the persistence of the students," said Mr David Crick, Teacher Mentor and Head of TAS at the College. "The students have really had to dig deep to push through many hurdles over the past two years and the growth that we witness in their character development is an encouragement to all who have worked with them through this process." A year and a half of team work, industry connection and honing of engineering, design and marketing skills came together this week enabling the students to put their best foot forward and come out with a win at this highly competitive event. "This competition has allowed us to build physically on top of our studies to design, create and market a winning ROV," enthused Sarah, Resource Manager for The Kraken Team. "We learnt that if you put in the energy and the time there is nothing you can't achieve." "This experience has certainly helped not only the team but other like minded students to see science in action and build a confidence of the importance of science in life." explained Jake. "Our amazing teachers and mentors have continued to encourage us over almost two years of competition, encouraging us to stick with it until the end. This was essential during the many setbacks the team endured due to pushed out deadlines as a result of changing COVID regulations. I couldn't be more proud of how the team has worked together for so long and the growth that is evident in all of us as a result of this competition" remarked Amy Combs, Team Manager. The team received the following awards at the Awards Ceremony presented by Commodore Michael Houghton at the Bosch Centre, Melbourne: * Best Managed Enterprise, Overall Winners * Best Sea Trial, Professional Class ROV Class * Best Manufactured ROV, Professional Class ROV Class * National Champions, Professional Class ROV Class Local ABC Riverina Radio spoke to the team about their achievement. Listen here. Prime News caught up with the team on Tuesday 24 May, 2022. (see 8:16 mins)