FIRST Robotics Competition – Los Angeles Regional

FIRST Robotics Competition – Los Angeles Regional

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Blog, Los Angeles

The FIRST Robotics Competition Los Angeles Regional, held March 13-16, 2025, featured 44 teams and 1,300+ students from California.

The Los Angeles Regional was extra special this year as we celebrated 25 seasons of FIRST in LA! From thrilling matches to nostalgic moments, the weekend was packed with energy, excitement, and community spirit.

Here are some highlights from the celebration:

  • 25th Season Celebration: We marked a quarter-century of FIRST in Los Angeles with pride, honoring the legacy and growth of our incredible region.
  • Game Piece Museum: A walk down memory lane! Attendees explored a showcase of FRC game pieces from the past 25 years.
  • 25-Year Trivia: Teams tested their knowledge of LA Regional history with fun trivia challenges throughout the event.
  • Alumni Mixer: FIRST alumni (and soon to be alumni) reconnected over bingo and sweet treats.

Thank you to our teams, mentors, volunteers, alumni, and sponsors for helping us honor 25 years of innovation, collaboration, and Gracious Professionalism.

View Event Photo Gallery

Thank you Matt and Lily for these incredible photos! Please considering giving photo credit (tag) to @mattbeardphotos when you share.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.

LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.

FIRST Impact Award

The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

This team has taken a deep DIVE into what it means to create an impact. They started small at school, then expanded their reach by training new coaches and securing funds to grow the FIRST network across their school district. With confidence, persistence, and professionalism, they have inspired everyone from toddlers to city officials. They may be NERDY, but this small robotics team is certainly mighty!

  • Team 5089, Robonerds from Los Angeles

      Engineering Inspiration

       The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

      This team’s strong media presence SPARKS the discovery of FIRST and STEM. Their yearn for knowledge beyond robotics IGNITES hope. Through running summer camps and creating many robotics teams in their country, they flamed of inspiration for many. They are passing the torch to the next generations. “BONNE CHANCE!”

      •  Team 5553, Robo’Lyon

       

      Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship

      • Team 9408, Warbots
      • Team 1197, Torbots

       

      The Dean’s List Finalist

      In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

      • Destiny R, Team 597, Wolverines
      • Eylul D, Team 7840, Emoner Robotics

      Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

      FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

      In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

      Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

      This mentor teaches seeing the big picture to assist with breaking down barriers within the team and in the process building well rounded individuals.  Success comes from systems and creating the ability to check in with each other.  No matter the team, this mentor is always field side looking to offer assistance to teams after they leave the field.  

      • Andrew Kempen, Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots

      Additional Awards

      Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here.

      FIRST Robotics Competition – Sacramento Regional

      FIRST Robotics Competition – Sacramento Regional

      by | Apr 7, 2025 | Blog, sacramento

      The FIRST Robotics Competition Sacramento Regional, held March 14-17, 2025, featured 34 teams and 1,100+ students from California.

      Photo Gallery Coming Soon

      Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.

      LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

      The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.

      FIRST Impact Award

      The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

      The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

      This year’s winning team has built a remarkably sustainable program, empowering students year after year to excel in STEM fields. With an impressive outreach program that has reached over 6,000 students, they’ve partnered with local schools and a museum to spark curiosity — even creating a memorable yellow bug robot for children to explore engineering concepts. Known for their unwavering commitment to promoting women in STEM and proudly representing their red, white, and blue colors with the strength of true patriots, this team’s impact has left a lasting mark. 

      • Team 4135, Iron Patriots from Modesto, CA

        Engineering Inspiration

        The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

        This year, the Engineering Inspiration Award is presented to a team that has truly exemplified what it means to be an ambassador of STEM education in their local community through numerous impactful outreach efforts. This team has engaged in a wide variety of initiatives that have significantly advanced not only their program but have had quantifiable impact with many students in their community. This team have SWOOPED down from their NEST and impacted over 3000 students, significantly raising awareness about the importance of STEM. Their commitment to inclusivity ensures that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to explore the exciting world of engineering. They partner with local schools, providing mentorship and guidance to younger students. They have host numerous outreach events, including FLL tournaments, co-host an off-season FRC competition, developed a six week summer camp for low-income, minority families, and a program to educate students with disabilities centered around STEM and robotics. For their outstanding commitment to fostering a love for engineering and technology within their community, and for their unique and impactful outreach programs, we are proud to present the Engineering Inspiration Award to Team 2073, EagleForce.

        • Team 2073, EagleForce from Elk Grove, CA

        Regional Winners

        • Team 1678, Citrus Circuits from Davis, CA
        • Team 254, The Cheesy Poofs from San Jose, CA 

        The Dean’s List Finalist

        In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

        • Aarav P, Team 199, Deep Blue
        • Yunah B, Team 6665, C-Otters

        Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

        FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

        In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

        Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

        • Kenneth Davis – Team 3598, SEStematics Eliminators 

        Additional Awards

        Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Sacramento Regional! See the list here.

        FIRST Robotics Competition – Silicon Valley Regional

        FIRST Robotics Competition – Silicon Valley Regional

        by | Apr 7, 2025 | Blog, Silicon Valley

        The Silicon Valley Regional, held March 13-16, 2025, brought together 37 incredible teams—36 from across California and one all the way from Hawaii—for a weekend full of energy, innovation, and inspiring moments at a brand-new venue: Woodside High School.

        Here are just a few highlights from this exciting event:

        •  Women in STEM Event: Four amazing engineers from Tesla joined us to share their journeys in STEM and connect with around 40 young women. They even surprised attendees with cupcakes!
        • Mentor Lunch: Nearly 80 mentors came together to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate their impact on the next generation of innovators.
        • PG&E engaged with students throughout the event, offering great conversations, career insights, and swag.
        • Johnson & Johnson wowed attendees with live demos of the Monarch surgical robot, showcasing cutting-edge technology all weekend long.
        • Analyst Desk: Live commentary and match analysis kept the audience engaged and informed throughout the event.
        • Trivia during breaks kept the fun going between matches.

        From inspiring outreach to world-class competition, the Silicon Valley Regional was a true celebration of the spirit of FIRST. Huge thanks to our teams, volunteers, mentors, and sponsors for making it all happen!

        Photo Gallery Coming Soon

        Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.

        LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

        The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.

        FIRST Impact Award

        The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

        The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

        This team empowers girls and other underrepresented groups through workshops, summer camps, and robot demos, showing them what’s possible and paving their way to join the FRC community. Their work to expand STEM curriculum at their school has opened opportunities for every student and including both AP classes and industry certifications as educational options ensures that their graduates are fully equipped for college, trade school, or the workforce. Perhaps it is fitting that this team works out of a woodshop, since their impact is TREE-mendous and they are nailing it! Keep striving for the summit and mahalo for your impact on your community. 

        • Team 3880 – Tiki Techs from Hawaii

          Engineering Inspiration

          The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

          This team has been ROARING with creativity shaping future STEM leaders for over two decades. They’ve CLAWED their way through challenges and shown younger CUBS the BEAR necessities of robotics and engineering. They’ve left TRACKS across the FIRST community with an open-source scouting app that paws-itively benefits teams everywhere through crowd-sourced data. And speaking of rookies, their wildly successful rookie training competition has brought mechanical mayhem in the best possible way. Their enthusiasm and dedication are simply un-bear-able. Please join me in congratulating Team 766, the M-A Bears!

          • Team 766, M-A Bears from Atherton, CA

          Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship

          • Team 1323, MadTown Robotics from Madera, CA
          • Team 5940, BREAD from Redwood City, CA

          The Dean’s List Finalist

          In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

          • Simon P, Team 581, Blazing Bulldogs
          • Thunder F, Team 8048, East Palo Alto Churrobots

          Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

          FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

          In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

          Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

          This mentor detests giving advice overtly and rather poses his advice in the form of questions, creating steppingstones that guide us to the best solutions for our problems. He fosters an environment of mutual respect, collaboration, and support. He always creates opportunities for learning. No matter how far into the season. He is a true mentor, always bringing adventure and seeking out ways to make a difference in the lives of those around him.

          • Roy Dumlao, Team 2854,The Prototypes

          Additional Awards

          Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Silicon Valley Regional! See the list here.

          FIRST Robotics Competition – Ventura County Regional

          FIRST Robotics Competition – Ventura County Regional

          by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Ventura

          The Ventura County FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held March 6-9, 2025, featured 52 teams and 1,500+ students from California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, The Netherland, Armenia and China.

          It was an action-packed event, showcasing not only incredible competition but also valuable career exploration and community engagement!  

          • STEM Career Showcase: With the support of our Navy partners, students explored future career opportunities through interactive booths featuring a drone cage, cutting-edge vehicles, and conversations with STEM professionals.
          • Naval Volunteers: Volunteers from the Naval Surface Warfare Center of Port Hueneme, led by FCACS Autumn Johnson, played a vital role in the success of the event, leaving a lasting impact on teams and attendees.
          • US Space Force Activation: Students had a unique opportunity to earn their wings through a VR flight simulator, speak with US Space Force and US Air Force members, and showcase their robotics innovations.

          Distinguished Guests:

          The event was honored to welcome several esteemed guests, including:

          • Gene Haas Foundation Director of Strategic Partnerships, Kathy Looman, along with Katrina Veronica and Kurt Zierhut
          • US Space Force Technical Sergent, Franck Happi
          • Captain David Halpern, Commander Naval Test Wing Pacific
          • Commander Warren Bong, Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division
          • Dean Menes, Engineering Manager at Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division

          From engaging STEM outreach to thrilling competition, the Ventura County Regional was a fantastic celebration of the FIRST community. A huge thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event a success

          View Event Photo Gallery

          Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.

          LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

          The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.

          FIRST Impact Award

          The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

          The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

          This team met every criterion of the FIRST Impact Award. They made incredible contributions by steering the ship toward substantial growth of FIRST programs and raising the tide in their local area in a sustainable way. They also developed resources that are broadly used by the FIRST community around the globe. They paint STEM in a positive light and are anchoring FIRST in Europe.

          • Team 4481 – Team Rembrandts from The Netherlands

            Engineering Inspiration

            The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

            The judges appreciated hearing how this team took disadvantage and turned it into advantage. Great initiatives, strong data and sharing their field while offering open workshops and a published book raised the odds. They rolled the dice with the Bot Swap Shop and hit the jackpot.

            • Team 7426, Pair of Dice Robotics from Las Vegas, NV

            Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship

            Dean’s List Finalist

            In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

            • Breanna S, Team 1138, Eagle Engineering
            • Dahae S, Team 589, Falkon Robotics

            Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

            FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

            In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

            Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

            • Heather Abrams, Team 589, Falkon Robotics

            Additional Awards

            Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Ventura County Regional! See the list here.

            FIRST Robotics Competition – Hueneme Port Regional

            FIRST Robotics Competition – Hueneme Port Regional

            by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Hueneme

            The Hueneme Port FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held February 27- March 2, 2025, was an incredible showcase of talent, innovation. The event featured 46 teams and 1,400+ students from California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Canada and China.

            In addition to the exciting matches, the event featured inspiring moments that highlighted the impact of STEM and FIRST:

            • STEM Career Showcase: Thanks to our Navy partners, students had the chance to explore career pathways through interactive booths, including a drone cage, cutting-edge vehicles, and conversations with STEM professionals.
            • Woodie Flowers Award Mixer: Prior Woodie Flowers Finalists gathered to connect, share experiences, and welcome this year’s newest finalist into the distinguished group.
            • Distinguished Guests: The event was honored to welcome several esteemed leaders, including:
              • Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias
              • Ventura County Supervisor, Vianey Loez
              • City of Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem ,Jess Lopez
              • Port Hueneme City Councilmember, Laura Hernandez
              • City of Oxnard Mayor, Luis McArthur
              • Oxnard City Councilmember, Michaela Perez
              • Office of Senator Monique Limon District Representative, Angelica Cisneros
              • Office of Assemblymember Steve Bennett District Director, Patty Quiroz
              • Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center Technical Director, Kail Macias

            From engaging STEM outreach to thrilling competition, the Hueneme Port Regional was a fantastic celebration of the FIRST community. A huge thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event a success!

            Photos Coming Soon!

            Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.

            LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

            The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.

            FIRST Impact Award

            The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

            The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

            This Impact Award team believes that every student in their state needs STEAM and puts funding to their passion. They translate FIRST projects into resources for all in their country. They are roaring with FIRST to “cer”tainly be a compassionate and collaborative team.

              Engineering Inspiration

              The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

              This team strikes with impact by building FLL teams, hosting an FLL tournament, and running free robotics workshops at their local library. With outreach spanning 25 community events and 20 schools, they don’t just inspire – they take action. Their dedication to STEM continues year-round, hosting numerous off-season events in their own robotics league, leading the charge like true commanders indeed!

              • Team 498, The Cobra Commanders from Glendale, AZ

              Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship

               

              Dean’s List Finalist

              In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

              • Aurora G – Team 4400 from Torreon, Mexico
              • Nita S – Team 6560 from Irvine, CA

              Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

              FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

              In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

              Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

              • Luke Balancio, Team 498, The Cobra Commanders

              Additional Awards

              Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Hueneme Port Regional! See the list here.

              FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County Regional

              FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County Regional

              by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Orange County

              The Orange County FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held February 26- March 1, 2025, was an exciting event filled with innovation, teamwork, and recognition of outstanding achievements!  The exciting event featured 47 teams and 1,400+ students from California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Hawaii.

              Alongside the thrilling competition, several key highlights made the event even more special:

              • Special Visit: We were honored to welcome Kathy Looman from the Haas Foundation, a strong supporter of STEM education and FIRST.
              • The Steve Stark Scholarship was awarded to Samuel P from Team 5199, recognizing their dedication and impact.
              • Gracious Professionalism Recognition: Teams embodied the spirit of FIRST, with multiple GP pins awarded for outstanding sportsmanship, generosity and cooperation.

              From intense matches to inspiring moments, the Orange County Regional was a true celebration of STEM, teamwork, and innovation. Thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event a success!

              View Event Photo Gallery

              Thank you to Joe Duncan for capturing these great moments!

              Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.

              LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

              The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.

              FIRST Impact Award

              The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

              The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.

              This team goes into their com; finding a space like gears in a working system. Each member is an integral part of this team’s mission to their communities, focusing on their impact on underrepresented students and those with disabilities. With their ability to spread addictive manufacturing to everyone they can.

              • Team 3473, Team Sprocket from Diamond Bar, CA

                Engineering Inspiration

                The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.

                Supporting each team with passion and pride. Guiding young minds with knowledge and care. In a purple den, their passion runs deep, Lifting up others so dreams take a leap. They weave bright futures in The Loom they share, With vision and heard, they light the way, Inspiring the future – starting today!

                • Team 8033, Highlander Robotics from Piedmont, CA

                Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship

                Dean’s List Finalist

                In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.

                • Jacob Q, from Team 7157, μBotics
                • Lehka A, from Team 5199, Robot Dolphins from Outer Space

                Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

                FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

                In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.

                Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.

                This team’s mentor is described as passionate, empowering, compassionate, and ‘wise beyond years.’ For the last 15 years, this mentor could often be found working with FLL, FTC, and FRC teams has been instrumental or the organization of many FIRST events. He embodies the idea that FIRST is ‘so much more than just robots—it’s about the people, the lessons, and the journey’.

                Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Orange County Regional Woodie Flowers FINALIST Award winner, Cody Eves, from Team 5199, The Robot Dolphins from Outer Space.

                Additional Awards

                Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Orange County Regional! See the list here.

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