Robotics is more than just building machines it’s about teamwork, creativity, and preparing students for the future.

For the past 12 years, the team has been guided by Ms. Diane Rippolone, who believes the time and effort students put into robotics deserves academic recognition. Students often spend countless hours designing, building, and refining their robots, and a course credit would acknowledge the commitment and real-world skills they develop along the way.

Through robotics, students gain hands-on experience with CAD (Computer-Aided Design), a program commonly used by professional engineers. Team members also learn essential 21st century skills preparing them for careers in a world where robotics and automation continue to grow.

Students work with manufacturing tools, 3D printing, wiring, building, and most importantly programming, which plays a major role in the robot’s success.

The team’s hard work has paid off at the highest levels of competition. Recently, they traveled to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, where they competed against 250 teams from around the world. The team placed an impressive 36th overall and earned the Connect Award, recognizing excellence in engineering and community outreach.

For students curious about robotics, Rippolone encourages them to give it a try.

Robotics is less about prior experience and more about effort, problem-solving, and willingness to learn. Students who enjoy hands-on activities, building, and programming often find robotics to be a perfect fit.

When asked about the best part of robotics, Rippolone says, “I learn a lot from the kids,” she says. Today, experienced team members are giving back by mentoring students who are new to robotics, helping them gain confidence and skills.

As the robotics team continues to grow, it remains a place where students learn, innovate, and build not just robots—but futures.