Written By Olivia Pierry
While the weather may still feel like summer, the end of August symbolizes the beginning of the 2026-2027 Rye Country Day school. For some, that may look like attending practice every morning; for others, it may mean finalizing summer work; and for those on the robotics team, it means attending robotics preseason. Led by faculty advisors Mr. Cruté and Ms. Rosell and senior captain Zara Khemlani ‘27, the robotics team met every day from 12:30 to 3:00 pm during the week of August 24, where they regrouped and reconnected with everyone since their last practice in May. Ms. Rosell explains that preseason was an opportunity for leaders to take initiative and lead small workshops, where they instructed others on the fundamentals of robotics.
The RCDS Robotics Team consists of around 20 members who meet every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday during the academic year. However, because many members have other commitments, Ms. Rosell emphasizes that the team is flexible with its members’ schedules. While captains are expected to attend every competition and most practices, some students choose to be members solely for half the school year. During practices, students work to build robots to solve different engineering challenges. For example, last year’s goal was for robots to place blocks in certain goals. While everyone works toward the same goal, the team is divided into three smaller groups that each work on a separate robot. Khemlani adds, “one group began working on their robot last season, so they are currently in the process of developing their design, while the other groups are working on their drive chains and teaching the newer members.”
When asked about the team’s weaknesses and strengths, Ms. Rosell states that “this team is so good at diving into something and starting to build, which is a strength and a weakness.” She explains that while building as they go can definitely be a huge strength, sometimes taking a step back and outlining a plan on the whiteboard is necessary. Khemlani, when asked the same question, points to the three selected student leaders, Joy Chen ‘29, William Schaible ‘28, and Amy He ‘27, of the smaller teams as being among the team’s greatest strengths. She mentions that “throughout preseason, they’ve stepped up in various ways, including planning workshops, teaching new students, and writing plans for the season.”
When Ms. Rosell was asked about her favorite part of the team, she states how she really enjoys “seeing them figuring things out when it gets hard. I’ve seen students who need a break and take a step back and collaborate with their peers, and that’s really what engineering is all about. If you’re frustrated, just talk it out, say that you’re frustrated about this specific thing, and go on from there on how to figure it out.”
Looking ahead, Khemlani mentions that new regulations have been added for this season, allowing participants to 3D-print for their robots. She states that this will “allow students to be more innovative with their designs.”
Ms. Rosell concludes the interview by stating that anyone who would like to join the RCDS Robotics Team can email either faculty advisor. She describes the team as a wonderful place for students to “learn about engineering, working together, and solving challenges within time constraints.” She adds that the students “are very motivated and determined,” and that she’s “really proud of them.”
Similarly, Khemlani mentions that as captain, her main goal “is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and excited to participate,” stressing that “the robotics team is a great community,” and that she hopes to use her new role to encourage more students to join.
