REST (Roseville Engineering Science and Technology) is a competitive after-school engineering club as described by Robert Smitka, one of the teacher leaders of the club along with Lawrence Burns. They compete in several competitions run by multiple organizations throughout the year. Unlike the athletic teams in this school, there is no minimum requirement physically or academically to join and participate. REST is an amazing opportunity for every student, no matter what your experience is with programming and engineering, it is a learning opportunity. Speaking of REST as a learning opportunity, two of their core group of students, as they were described by Smitka, have received scholarship and internship offers through skills and knowledge they cultivated in the REST club – junior Sumner Hull and junior Luis Gomez-Veloz.
During a Hackathon in the summer of this year Hull and Gomez-Veloz won a total of 54 competitions at the event alongside a team of various other aspiring programmers and engineers from outside of REST, making them the most successful group there by far which led to the scholarship and internship opportunities. In a conversation with Hull, I learned that he had been interested in and studying the fields of engineering and computer science for a good while before joining REST around two years ago. “During my time at REST, I have honed my leadership skills and have become adept at explaining complex concepts to newcomers. This experience has been instrumental in my professional growth. Moreover, it has facilitated the enhancement of my development skills through involvement in larger and more challenging projects,” Hull said, exemplifying his growth in only two years of regular involvement with the club.
Gomez-Veloz is entering his third year in REST, being drawn in when he was a freshman by a poster as he was already interested in robotics. According to him he has cultivated his skills in programming, 3D design, and teamwork throughout his time in REST. “Our group in the Hackathon were all really good at what they did, it helped me see where I’m at compared to others. We got 1st place at the Hackathon!” Gomez-Veloz said in my conversation with him. Gomez-Veloz seemed enthusiastic about REST this year, especially for his future with the club. Gomez-Veloz has grown up in Detroit for half his life, and though he was always interested in engineering and programming he never had any experience or training with either until he joined REST. He now actively enjoys both engineering and programming and considers them a hobby of his.
Burns, who’s been teaching here since the 2020-21 school year, has been involved in multiple competitive robotics clubs for roughly eight years, throughout his teaching career he has also taught related subjects such as physics and engineering. This year, Burns is hoping for more structure and growth in REST. Smitka has been teaching here for 16, going on 17, school years and teaches the Mechatronics class along with his regular Biology classes. Smitka started the REST club when a friend of his and fellow teacher recommended a workshop run by Square One. Square One is Michigan-based STEM organization which hosts an array of robotics competitions for several age groups and experience levels. Smitka fell in love with the idea of a robotics team and for multiple years operated the club from his classroom and back storage room until the Flex Lab was refurnished. Smitka hopes for the REST club to grow and push forward, even with their current core group leaving in the next school year he is hopeful for further success and future bright club members.
REST is always open to new members. They typically meet afterschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Upper Flex Lab, all you have to do is walk in and approach either Burns or Smitka and express interest and they will invite you in with open arms as long as you are willing to put in effort and give it your all. Have a good year REST team!
