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Bibb 'bots Regional Competition. "It was like, 'My goodness! We are going to nationals!'" said Finkelstein. Spring break plans were quickly transformed into a whirlwind of activity among team members. "We had to ship a robot, raise money, make reservations, secure a bus, conduct a press conference, make banners, buy marketing tools and giveaways … there was suddenly so much to do in a very short period of time." Everything did come together, thanks to generous sponsors. The Bibb County Board of Education stepped in and lent a hand not only financially but also with continued administrative support of the team. A total of 24 team members and nine chaperones journeyed to the nation's heartland, driving through the night on a charter bus. About 400 teams from all over the world came to compete on four game fields. For three days, teams played in about 10 matches each, after which the top eight teams in each field chose alliance partners to join them in tournament rounds. Toward the end of the competition, the four top teams battled for the world championship. "It was a lot like the NCAA Final Four," Finkelstein said. "There was music and dancing, cheering and mascots." As for Team RoboBibb, the group was on a roll, with its alliances winning three straight matches at one point, "but overall we were a typical rookie team," Finkelstein said. "We caught ourselves wide- eyed, excited and overwhelmed at the same time. But our students had the opportunity to meet and befriend peers from all over the world – an awesome experience." After that experience the team's underclassmen already are making plans for improvements to next year's team. "Our students have a whole new vision of what's possible." JUNE/JULY 2014 MACON MAGAZINE I 43