Barrios Recognizes and Awards Robert Hester for his years of Service to the Community

We recently announced Robert Hester as the recipient of Barrios Technology’s 2023 EMY Award – named after our founder Emyre Barrios Robinson – which recognizes an employee who has contributed beyond the workplace in service to the community.

Robert, a Robotics Engineer on our JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS II) contract, received the award for the years of service volunteered to mentor middle school and high school students in competitive robotics.

He founded (and still runs) the League City Intermediate School RoboCats in 2012, which he led to competing in the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) competition.

Robert also mentored the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) FIRST Team 118, Robonauts, for six years and now mentors CCISD FIRST Team 324, CHIPS.

According to Robert, he has been involved in community work his entire life. “My parents were very civic minded and supported those in need in our home town, either personally or through organizations like the Catholic Church and the Lions Club.

“I was a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity in college and joined the Jaycees when I started my career. Since then, I have continued to serve communities through the Methodist Church, Boy Scouts and Robotics.

“This award is very special for me. Mentoring students serves as its own reward since you get to foster the growth and development of young men and women. It is very gratifying for me that Barrios has such a strong community service ethic and acknowledges the efforts of employees in this way.

“This award is also special in that it is the second time I have received it. I was given the 2016 EMY Award for my work as a leader in Boy Scouts of America.”

CONGRATULATIONS and thanks to Robert for his service to our communities!