Sacramento Regional – 2023

Sacramento Regional – 2023

Attended by thousands of fans, families, educators and industry leaders, the Sacramento Regional awarded 16 teams with honors that rewarded design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship and high impact partnerships between schools, businesses and communities. Held at the University of California Davis Pavilion at the ARC from March 16-19, 2023, 46 high school student teams competed to earn a spot at the FIRST Championship.

With the hope of winning one of the several coveted awards, high school students worked with professional Mentors to design and build a robot over a six-week period that solved a problem using a kit of parts and a standard set of rules, while also developing high-impact partnerships between schools, businesses, and communities.

Each team clearly demonstrated teamwork, professionalism and strategic thinking in solving the competition’s challenges. The noise level from the audience cheering on the teams was tremendous. Students, school groups, community members and professional team mentors filled the stands and helped to bring a level of fun and excitement to the competition. With the sustained support of the Sacramento community, this robotics competition will continue to grow and inspire students to study math, science and engineering.

LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Sacramento Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

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.

  • Team 1072, Harker Robotics from San Jose, CA

    Engineering Inspiration

    The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

    • Team 4135 – Iron Patriots from Modesto, CA

    Regional Winners

    • Team 254, The Cheesy Poofs from San Jose, CA
    • Team 1678, Citrus Circuits from Davis, CA
    • Team 3189, Circuit Breakers from Placerville, CA

     

    Regional Finalists (wildcards)

     

    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.

    • Sanaya Bhasin from Team 1458, Red Tie Robotics
    • Hongfei Liu from Team 6941, IronPulse 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.

    • Ryan Cahoon from Team 766, M-A Bears

     

    Additional Awards

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

    Instagram Highlights

    Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Sacramento Regional. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

    San Francisco Regional – 2023

    San Francisco Regional – 2023

    The 2023 San Francisco Regional is in the books! Congratulations to all 42 teams that participated in the San Francisco FIRST Robotics Regional Competition from March 16-19, 2023! 

    Putting a working robot on the field is a feat in and of itself! A big thank you to all of the mentors, volunteers, and sponsors that helped make this regional a favorite of so many participants. Your work is appreciated.

    SFR began with an inspiring set of remarks by California State Senator Scott Wiener (CA SD-11). The Senator then watched the opening match and visited with teams in their pits. Later that day, SFR would award its 2023 Woodie Flowers Finalist Award to Jenny Stevens of team 9143. Additionally, long time CA FIRST volunteer Laura Hall was named SFR Volunteer of the Year.

    Despite the rain on our final day, the teams came in ready for action. After a quick end to qualification matches, our top eight ranked teams picked their alliances, and an exciting playoff round commenced. The final best-of-three series was played between the second seeded alliance (teams 971, 972, and 8016) and the fourth seeded alliance (teams 1351. 115, and 9143), with the former taking the crown as the winner of the 2023 San Francisco Regional. After an exciting final set of matches, SFR announced the winners of the FIRST Impact Award (Team 115), Engineering Inspiration Award (Team 1700), and the Rookie All Star award (Team 9038).

    LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

    The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Francisco Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

    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.

    • Team is 115, MVRT from Cupertino, CA

      Engineering Inspiration

      The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

       

      Regional Winners

      • Team 971, Spartan Robotics from Mountain View, CA
      • Team 972, Iron Claw from Los Gatos, CA
      • Team 8016, Eco Robotics from Rohnert Park, CA

      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.

      • Cameron Nguyen from Team 649, MSET Fish
      • Priyanka Karunakaran from Team 2854, Prototypes

      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.

      • Jenny Stevens from Team 9143, Armor Robotics

      Additional Awards

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

      Instagram Highlights

      Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of San Francisco Regional. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

      Los Angeles Regional – 2023

      Los Angeles Regional – 2023

      This year’s FIRST Robotics Competition Los Angeles Regional, held at Da Vinci High School in El Segundo, was a great success! The event was at full capacity with 44 teams participating, and despite some occasional rain moving in and out of the area, everyone managed to stay dry, and teams reported having a great time.

      Students were excited to have visits with Cathy Looman, Director of Education for season sponsor HAAS Automation, and Annabel Flores, Chief Operating Officer, Global Spectrum Dominance, for local lead sponsor Raytheon Technologies. Annabel welcomed teams Sunday morning during Opening Ceremony, sharing some of her personal experiences in the professional world and offering words of encouragement to all the students participating.

      On Friday, team 4201 Vitruvian Bots held a panel on Neurodiversity in STEAM, sponsored by LA Regional sponsor Raytheon. Nearly 100 students and mentors gathered to hear from panelists discussing some of the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced as students and professionals in STEAM. Panelists also shared suggestions for students about how to successfully pursue any needed accommodations as they navigate their educational and professional futures.

       Saturday night, the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award was presented to Rigoberto Cruz, mentor for team 5089 Robo-Nerds. It turned out to be a very exciting weekend for team 5089 Robo-Nerds, as the team also received the FIRST Impact Award for the region on Sunday night! The Volunteer of the Year was presented to Joan Horvath, who has served as Judge Advisor for a number of years, and has been a judge in Los Angeles since the region started in 2000.

      The playoffs were highly competitive, with well-matched alliances turning in close-scoring matches. In the end, Team 687 Nerd Herd led the winning alliance, along with Team 5199 Robot Dolphins from Outer Space, Team 702 Bagel Bytes and Team 6833 Phoenix Robotics.

      Gracious host venue Da Vinci High School and their team, 4201 Vitruvian Bots, helped make it possible for FIRST California to hold another successful LA Regional!

      Big thanks to Matt with Matt Beard Photography for capturing these amazing Los Angeles Regional memories!

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

      LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

      The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Los Angeles Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

      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.

      • Team 5089 – Robo-Nerds from Los Angeles, CA

        Engineering Inspiration

        The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

        • 4201 – The Vitruvian Bots from El Segundo, CA

         

        Regional Winners

        • Team 687, The Nerd Herd from Carson, CA
        • Team 5199, Robot Dolphins from Outer Space from Dana Point, CA
        • Team 702, Bagel Bytes from Culver City, CA

        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.

        • Brianna Adewinmbi from Team 687, The Nerd Herd
        • Naomi Uehara from Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots

        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 evolved from starting an FRC team with a few students to a strong contingent of support for all three FIRST programs. He not only emphasizes technical skills but embraces everyone’s natural talents to help them improve and build a better team. He has made great strides in creating opportunities for underrepresented students and combating language barriers. He is helping his students cruise to success.

        Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Los Angeles Regional Woodie Flowers FINALIST Award winner, Rigoberto Cruz, from Team 5089, The Robo-Nerds!

        • Rigoberto Cruz, from Team 5089, The Robo-Nerds

        Additional Awards

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

        Instagram Highlights

        Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Los Angeles Regional. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

        Central Valley Regional – 2023

        Central Valley Regional – 2023

        The FIRST Robotics Competition Central Valley Regional, at the Fresno Convention Center from March 9-12, 2023, was a big success!  There were 39 teams in attendance and the weekend was Charged Up! 

        Among the teams that came from all parts of California, we also had teams visiting from Arizona, Idaho, Mexico and Chinese Taipei. The teams had a special visit from Patti Poppe, the CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Patti and her husband Eric, along with matching funds from PG&E, donated $200,000 to Northern California FIRST events and teams, including 20 of the teams competing at the regional.  And they announced they were committing to another $200,000 for the 2024 season! 

        The Central Valley Regional was also hosting several local FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League Challenge and Explore teams, which included the a team that will be competing at the World Championship in Houston this April. There was even more excitement for teams when they visited the Air Force booth and got to talk with officers about the many opportunities that exist using the skills they learn through FIRST within the Air Force and Space Force. 

        The competition was filled with excitement and culminated with many awards to teams for their skills, talents, performance, outreach, dedication, and Gracious Professionalism at the event. In fact, 47 individuals were awarded an exclusive FIRST California Gracious Professional pin for being ‘Caught in the Act!’

        We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional.

        We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Central Valley Regional! 

        LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

        The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Central Valley Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

        FIRST Impact Award

        The FIRST Impact Award represents the true spirit of FIRST.  It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST.  It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award.  The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.

        You can watch their Impact Award video here.

          Engineering Inspiration

          The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

          This team’s dedicated outreach team strives to bring engineering and stem fields to underrepresented communities. They empower Girl Scouts and kids of all ages, those with learning disabilities and other nations through their robust outreach. Their sustained outreach efforts prove they are anything but inert.

          • Team 840, Aragon Robotics from San Mateo, CA

          Regional Winners

           

          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.

          • Anisha Shukla from Team 2135, Presentation Invasion
          • Emilia Plancarte from Team 4400, Cerbotics

          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.

          You shared high praise for the accomplishments and dedication of your mentors and your teams. Based on your input, we now recognize the outstanding contributions of ONE mentor to the FIRST experience.

          This nominee has dedicated over half their life to the FIRST mission. Their passion and commitment to their team and FIRST is unmatched. They work to make their team and their community more efficient and effective. This mentor works with nearly every part of their team from design, software, business, and graphic design inspiring their students to be well-rounded. He is an exceptional role model to students on their teams and to every team he works with.

          Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Central Valley Regional Woodie Flowers FINALIST Award winner, Andrew Nabors, from Team 1671! 

          • Andrew Nabors from Team 1671, Buchanan Bird Brains

          Additional Awards

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

          Instagram Highlights

          Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Central Valley. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

          Ventura County Regional – 2023

          Ventura County Regional – 2023

          Congratulations to the 46 Teams PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members from all over California, Hawai, Idaho, Nevada, the Netherlands, Mexico and Chinese Taipei who participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition Ventura County Regional from March 9-12, 2023.

          Week 2 at the Ventura County Regional was full of excitement! Weather was upon us so we had leaks in the roof and a flooded pit (no damage to the robot or equipment), but nothing can keep FIRST students from competition.

          The bar was high from Week 1, but this week did not disappoint.  High Tide, Team 4414, raced to the front with Hawaiian Kids, Team 359 on their heels.  They formed two alliances and ended head to head in the finals with Alliance #1 coming out ahead.  But, several wildcards were now available, so both the first and second alliance are headed to Worlds in Houston.  Team 1836, The Miliken Knights, Team 5274, Wolverines, and rookie team 9084, Octobots are on their way to Houston.

          The Rembrandts, Team 4481 from The Netherlands won the Impact Award and students from Team 599, Robodocs and Team 4481, Team Rembrandts won the FIRST Dean’s List Finalist Awards.

          The Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Angel Zamarron, the STEM Outreach Director from the Navy command, NAVAIR from Pt Mugu, and the Regional Inspiration Award was awarded to Team 1138, Eagle Engineering.

          Kathy Looman from the Gene Haas Foundation was our guest speaker along with several speakers from the Naval commands.

          We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional.

          We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Ventura County Regional!

          We’ve capture some of those great moments from the Regional for you. Feel free to find your team and download pics in the gallery below and tag @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram is you share them.

          LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

          The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Ventura County Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

          FIRST Impact Award

          The FIRST Impact Award represents the true spirit of FIRST.  It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST.  It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award.  The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.

          • Team 4481, Team Rembrandts from Eindhoven, Netherlands

            Engineering Inspiration

            The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

            • Team 1138, Eagle Engineering from West Hills, CA

            Regional Winners

            • Team 4414, High Tide from Ventura, CA
            • Team 4481, Team Rembrandts from Eindhoven, Netherlands
            • Team 4, Team 4 Element from Van Nuys, CA

            Regional Finalists

            • Team 9084, Octobots from Goleta, CA (wildcard)
            • Team 5274, Wolverines from Sacramento, CA (wildcard)
            • Team 1836, MilkenKnights from Los Angeles, CA (wildcard)

            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.

            • Merle Leurs from Team 4481, Team Rembrandts
            • Angel Eunisse Yanga from Team 599, The Robodox

            Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

            • Stephen des Jardins from Team 2102, Team Paradox

            Additional Awards

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

            Instagram Highlights

            Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Ventura County Regional. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

            Orange County Regional – 2023

            Orange County Regional – 2023

            Congratulations to all Teams PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members from all over California, plus Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and England who participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition Orange County Regional from March 9-12, 2023.

            This year’s Regional, held at the OC Fair & Event Center, was a great success! With 47 teams participating, the weekend went smoothly, despite a rainy, soggy practice day. Students were excited to have a visit on Friday from Cathy Looman, Director of Education for season sponsor HAAS Automation.

            Cynthia Mescher, of Regional Sponsor Parker Aerospace, kicked off the first day of competition with an inspiring welcome during Opening Ceremonies.

            Saturday night, the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award was presented to Sean Stone, mentor for team 3501, and the Volunteer of the Year was presented to Jared Hasen-Klein, the region’s Volunteer Coordinator.

            The playoffs were highly competitive, with well-matched alliances turning in close-scoring matches, and a very spirited Team 2637 received the FIRST Impact Award, making for an exciting end to a great Orange County Regional!

            We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional.

            We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Orange County Regional! 

            Big thanks to Brian King and Joe Duncan for capturing these amazing Orange County Regional memories!

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

            LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

            The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Orange County Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

            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 aims to make STEM accessible for everyone — with outreach to Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, special education students, and bringing hope and advocacy to teams that would not otherwise have this support.

            While bringing everyone along for the ride, this pack parades their excitement in STEM in everything they do. That includes sharing with sponsors, fellow teams, and their local community.

            They are hauntingly impressive — their alliance with FLL teams is established and growing through STEM development courses and Arizona Native American communities. The cat is out of the bag!

            • Team 2637, Phantom Catz from Rolling Hills Estates, CA

              Engineering Inspiration

              The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

              “This year’s engineering inspiration award goes to a team that is a shining light for science and technology in their community.  Their lion-like commitment resulted in over 1000 hours impacting students from grades K through 12 to better their community. The judges look forward to seeing this team soaring high in the future.”

               

              Regional Winners

              • Team 987, Highrollers from Las Vegas, NV
              • Team 4415, EPIC Robotz from Cerritos, CA
              • Team 4276, Surf City Vikings from Huntington Beach, CA

                Regional Finalists

                • Team 3476, Code Orange from Irvine, CA (wildcard)

                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.

                • Matteo Salloum from Team 1884, Griffins
                • Nicholas Ortiz from Team 4141, Monarch 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.

                “You shared high praise for the accomplishments and dedication of your mentors and your teams. Based on your input, we now recognize the outstanding contributions of ONE mentor to the FIRST experience.

                This mentor leveraged his professional expertise as a Mechanical Design Engineer and introduced industry standards to include computer-aided design, design review processes, and supply chain management to the team. To invest in knowledge transfer between members, this mentor designed and set up an annual training program that simulates build season. The program teaches students engineering design principles and manufacturing skills.

                 Reaching beyond the FRC team, this mentor also mentors FLL teams, volunteers at FIRST competitions and events, and publicly speaks to many about FIRST.

                 Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Orange County Regional Woodie Flowers FINALIST Award winner, Sean Stone, from Team 3501!”

                • Sean Stone from Team 3501, Firebots

                Additional Awards

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

                Instagram Highlights

                Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Orange County Regional. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

                Hueneme Port Regional – 2023

                Hueneme Port Regional – 2023

                Congratulations to the 44 Teams PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members from all over California, Hawaii, Arizona, and as far away as the Netherlands and Mexico who participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition Hueneme Port Regional from March 2-5, 2023.

                The regional started out with a high school junior offering a Jimmy Hendrix style guitar rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, proclamations from the County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor of Port Hueneme, U.S. Representative Julia Brownley and a presentation of a $5,000 check from the Community Benefit Fund, the City of Port Hueneme, and the Port.

                Throughout the event, gracious professionalism was displayed by Team 4 in helping to set up the  field, Team 4481 from the Netherlands who helped anywhere needed, and many who helped a struggling team finish their robot build.  All received the new Gracious Professionalism pin from FIRST California.

                There was a marriage proposal where Brian Martin, game announcer, popped the question with the help of his team and SHE SAID YES!!

                As far as robotic competition, you could not ask for more entertainment.   In the first round, the #1 alliance was upset by the #8 alliance and with the new double elimination format they really had to work their way back.  The finals started out with a tie, 148-148. then as the play went on, they were neck and neck, a field mechanical failure and finally the #1 alliance ended up on top.  5 matches in the final round!  At one point a high score match record was set.

                We’d like to extend an immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional. 

                We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Hueneme Port Regional Regional! 

                Thanks to Rynn Grogin, we’ve capture some of those great moments from the Regional for you. Feel free to find your team and download pics in the gallery below.

                LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!

                The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Hueneme Port Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023

                FIRST Impact Award

                The FIRST Impact Award represents the true spirit of FIRST.  It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST.  It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award.  The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture.  The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.

                • Team 4, Team 4 Element from Van Nuys, CA

                  Engineering Inspiration

                  The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community.  This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.

                  Regional Winners

                   

                  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.

                  • Sienna Simantob from Team 1661, Griffitrons
                  • Giselle Ng from Team 2429, La Canada Engineering Club

                  Woodie Flowers Finalist Award

                  • Brian Mendoza from Team 2429, La Canada Engineering Club

                  Additional Awards

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

                  Instagram Highlights

                  Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Hueneme Port Regional – Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!

                  2022 FLL Championship & Explore Festival – California Southern

                  2022 FLL Championship & Explore Festival – California Southern

                  In December, California Southern Region held the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship and the FIRST LEGO Explore Festival at the University of Riverside.

                   

                  FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship 

                  University of Riverside

                  Congratulations to Team 51308 C.A.R.T for becoming the 2022 SUPERPOWERED CA Southern Champion. Good Luck at Worlds!

                  1st Place Champions

                  51308 – C.A.R.T

                  Advancing to World Festival in Houston in April 2023

                  Champions Finalist

                  56458 – Best Bot Builders

                  Advancing to Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach in May 2023

                  Champions Finalist

                  16023 – Pickled Blueberry Licorice

                  Advancing to Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach in May 2023

                  Champions Finalist

                  37955 – Brainy Builders

                  Advancing to the Australian Open in June/July 2023

                  1st Place Robot Design

                  52517 – L.I.T

                  Advancing to Razorback Open Invitational in Arkansas

                  Robot Design Finalist

                  50739 – Garage Engineers

                  Advancing to Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach in May 2023

                  1st Place Innovation Project

                  57595 – CyberKnights

                  Advancing to Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach in May 2023

                  1st Place Core Values

                  53373 – V.E.C.T.O.R.

                  Advancing to Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach in May 2023

                  1st Place Robot Performance

                  56614 – Eastvale Academy Ennovators

                  score of 395

                  FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival

                  University of Riverside

                  California Southern FLL had the opportunity to pilot an Explore game this season. Teams used their robot to complete 6 different missions in their 2.5 autonomous time. It was meet with great success and teams are hoping they get to play again next season.

                  THANK YOU MENTORS!

                  None of each team’s success would have been possible this season without those special volunteers who have spent hours each week with your team.

                  The following volunteers were awarded Coach / Mentor awards at the CA Southern SUPERPOWERED Championships. Congratulations and thank you!

                  Coach/Mentor Award WINNER

                  Sandy from Garage Engineers

                  Coach/Mentor Award FINALIST

                  Prachi from Blue Dragon

                  Coach/Mentor Award FINALIST

                  Christine from Code Bots

                  Coach/Mentor Award FINALIST

                  Arthon from Mindblown

                  2022 FLL Championship & Explore Festival – California Central

                  2022 FLL Championship & Explore Festival – California Central

                  On December 17, 2022, Central Valley Robotics wrapped up its first full season since the start of the pandemic with the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional Championship and FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival.

                  Central Valley Robotics would like to thank the wonderful volunteers who make events possible for our teams, especially FRC Teams 1671 (Buchanan Bird Brains), 3970 (Duncan Dynamics), and 5817 (Uni-Rex) and FTC Teams 14323 (Half-Wit Hatchlings) and 17094 (E.G.G.).

                   

                  FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship 

                   Clovis, CA

                  The top 24 teams from three qualifying events (Buchanan Battle at the Nest Qualifier, Central Unified Qualifier, and Duncan Dynamics Qualifier) competed for a chance to represent Central California at one of 4 post-season events.  

                  1st Place Champions

                  LEGO WOLVES from Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano

                  Advancing to World Festival in Houston in April 2023

                  2nd Place Champions

                  Wildcate Coders from Castle Rock Elementary School in Woodlake

                  Advancing to Inaugural WPI Open Invitational in Massachusetts in June 2023

                  3rd Place Champions

                  6.0 GPA (Girl Powered Automations) from Bud Rank Elementary in Clovis

                  Advancing to Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach in May 2023

                  Additionally, Team “dun dun dunnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!! (you have to sing it)” from Riverview Elementary in Fresno will represent the region at the Razorback Open Invitational in Arkansas in May 2023.  

                  LEGO WOLVES

                  Wildcat Coders

                  1st Place Core Values

                  dun dun dunnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!! (you have to sing it) from Riverview Elementary School in Fresno

                  1st Place Innovation Project

                  Powerful Panthers from Dry Creek Elementary School in Clovis

                  1st Place Robot Performance

                  Mega Metal Crushers from Riverview Elementary School in Fresno

                  1st Place Robot Design

                  Mech Tech Marlins from Fugman Elementary School in Fresno

                  Coach/Mentor Award WINNER

                  Jenifer Strait with 6.0 GPA (Girl Powered Automations) in Clovis

                  Volunteer Award

                  Dimple Ravuri from Clovis

                  Volunteer Award

                  Ken Kirk from Clovis

                  Robot Matches 

                  FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival

                   Clovis, CA

                  The FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival was held in conjunction to the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional Championship and included 13 teams from around the Central Valley.  Congratulations to all teams that participated!

                   

                  Naval Internships and Career Opportunities

                  Naval Internships and Career Opportunities

                  Naval Internship & Career Opportunities

                  On October 22, 2022, representatives from NAVAIR, NAVFAC and NAVSEA joined Velma Lomax with FIRST California to discuss intern success stories and exciting internship and career opportunities with the Navy.

                  Below, please find valuable resources offered during the FIRST California Career Chat.

                  • Summary of Summer Internships and Scholarships/Fellowships – NOTE: The SEAP program is for High School students.
                  • Program Flyers for SMART and NREIP
                  • Naval Horizons Essay Contest (deadline 11/28/22) – $200 prize for up to 5000 winners!
                  • Replay Video of the presentation
                  • Slide Deck of the presentation

                  Summary of Opportunities

                  Program Flyers

                  Essay Contest – win $200

                  Naval STEM Overview

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