Elmbrook’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics teams have wrapped up a remarkable season with standout performances at both the Wisconsin State Championship and the World Championship in Houston, Texas. With exceptional technical prowess, community engagement, and teamwork, Elmbrook teams once again showcased the strength of STEM education in our schools.

State Championship & Mentorship Success

The FTC Wisconsin State Championship took place March 7–8 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center, bringing together 27 of the state’s top teams in a competitive display of innovation and skill.

• Team Hazmat (#13201) earned the 1st Place Inspire Award, the highest honor in FTC. This award recognizes excellence across all areas of the program, from engineering and outreach to teamwork and professionalism.
• GEarHeads (#16460) received the 2nd Place Inspire Award and made a commanding impression on the field by captaining the winning alliance in the robot game and setting a new state record.
• Team Superstellar (#19417) was honored with the Control Award, recognizing advanced programming and robot control.

Eight Elmbrook students were named Dean’s List Semifinalists, celebrating their leadership, dedication, and contributions to their teams:

• Annalise Turner and Vinayak Menon (Hazmat)
• Vaidehi Ramachandrula and Victor Han (GEarHeads)
• Aarushi Banerjee and Hasini Manne (Superstellar)
• Adee Niljikar and Vybhav Parthan (Pack A Punch)

In recognition of exceptional mentorship, Amjad Jabbar, coach of Team Hazmat, received the Compass Award, given to an individual who provides outstanding guidance and support to FTC teams. Additionally, BEAST Robotics’ mentor Barry Black won the FIRST Wisconsin Regional Volunteer of the Year Award at the First Robotics Competition (FRC) Wisconsin Regional Competition for his time and dedication to BEAST and FIRST.

World Championship Triumphs

After their outstanding state-level performances, Team Hazmat and GEarHeads earned invitations to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship, held April 16–19 in Houston. They were among only three Wisconsin teams selected from a global field of over 8,800 teams, with the top 256 advancing to the final championship.

• Team Hazmat competed in the Edison Division and won the Inspire 2 Award, placing them among the top 5–8 teams in the world. The Inspire Award honors a team that exemplifies the ideals of the FTC program and serves as a role model through their outreach, engineering process, and gracious professionalism.
   
• GEarHeads competed in the Jemison Division and won the Connect Award, recognizing efforts to connect the local community with engineering and FIRST values. They were the #2 seed after qualifications in their division, led the first alliance, and concluded the season with a 95.7% win rate and the 10th highest Offensive Power Rating (OPR) globally.

From local scrimmages to the global stage, Elmbrook’s FTC teams have exemplified the values of collaboration, perseverance, and innovation. Their accomplishments reflect months of dedication, countless hours of design and programming, and a deep commitment to learning and leadership.

Congratulations to Team Hazmat, GEarHeads, Superstellar, and Pack A Punch for an outstanding season, and thank you to all mentors, families, and supporters who make these achievements possible.

Elmbrook FTC is truly a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.