Students were recognized for design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship
By Mario Boucher
Three local high school robotics teams are headed to the FIRST Robotics Championship on April 16–19, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
Team PyroTech #3459 from Cary won the Engineering Inspiration Award at the FIRST North Carolina State Championship, held April 5–6 at UNC Greensboro. Two other teams also advanced after placing in the top 10 in state rankings: Slice #8739 from Fuquay-Varina placed fifth and RoboWhales #9032 from Cary placed eighth.
The initial robotics competition, held March 15–16 at Rolesville High School in Wake County, featured 32 high school teams competing to advance to the state championship. Students showcased custom-built robots and were judged based on design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship, and building partnerships between schools, businesses, and communities. They learn problem-solving and teamwork while designing and building an original robot with the help of engineering and technical mentors.
Students had to demonstrate their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Limited by time, they had to show collaboration and ingenuity in designing a robot that solves a problem, measuring the effectiveness of each robot. The three local teams will compete with 13 other teams at the international championship.
“We are preparing the future workforce of North Carolina,” said Marie Hopper, president of FIRST North Carolina. “These students are learning the skills needed to be highly successful in a competitive workplace, both filling and creating the next wave of high-tech jobs in our state. They are the kinds of employees every company dreams of hiring with their strong team-working skills and adaptability.”
FIRST is a robotics community helping young people via inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4–18 (PreK–12) in school or structured after-school programs. The students are expected to follow the programs’ core values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
Founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989 and supported by volunteers, educators, and sponsors worldwide—including over 200 Fortune 500 companies—FIRST is an international not-for-profit organization.
Students and alumni of the programs benefit from education on STEM learning and skill-building, career opportunities, and connections to exclusive scholarships and employers. Students interested in learning about FIRST programs can visit firstinspires.org for more information.
