WPHS robotics team earns playoff spot, Control Award at Peekskill Qualifier

The White Plains High School robotics team, Spare Parts, wrapped up a successful competition season with an impressive performance at the FIRST Tech Challenge’s Peekskill Qualifier, advancing to the playoffs and earning recognition from judges for its technical innovation.

The team’s strong showing on the competition field led to an invitation to join an alliance with the Walter Panas High School robotics team, Panther TechSupport, during the tournament’s finalists round — an honor that reflects the team’s engineering skills and ability to collaborate effectively with other competitors.

“It is an honor to be chosen to be part of an alliance and reflects our team’s high technical skills and demonstrated teamwork,” said Katherine Scorza Ingram, co-president of the White Plains City School District PTA Council. The final tournament was held Jan. 31.

In addition to competing in robot matches, teams in the FIRST Tech Challenge are also evaluated for judged awards that recognize engineering design, innovation and teamwork. The White Plains team earned the second-place Control Award, which celebrates teams that use sensors and software to enhance their robot’s performance during gameplay.

The award recognizes innovative thinking and creative solutions that help teams tackle complex game challenges.

Beyond the competition arena, the Spare Parts team meets once or twice each week to brainstorm ideas and build their robotics projects. The program is open to students of all grades and abilities, offering hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Participants engage in age-appropriate robotics and STEM enrichment activities as they design, build and test mechanical and electronic systems. The program also prepares students to take part in FIRST competitions, which are organized by a national nonprofit dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest in science and technology.

According to Ingram, the robotics program measures success not only by wins and awards, but also by the growth students demonstrate along the way.

“Throughout the season, coaches look to the students for displays of teamwork, increased individual demonstrations of critical thinking and displays of creative problem solving,” she said. “Coaches look for displays of increased confidence and self-esteem in the students as they learn that their accomplishments and their failures are valuable learning opportunities.”

Coaches also emphasize the importance of making learning enjoyable while students develop important technical skills.

“They also look to ensure the students are having fun as they learn critical skills in coding and programming,” Ms. Ingram said.

Research has shown that robotics programs like FIRST can have a significant impact on students’ interest and success in STEM fields. Studies indicate that FIRST participants are 2.3 to 3.7 times more likely to show gains in STEM-related outcomes — including participation in STEM activities, knowledge of STEM concepts and interest in STEM careers — compared with students who do not take part.

Ms. Ingram praised the dedication of the students and the leadership of the team’s coaches.

“Please join me in congratulating Coaches Allen and Sarmiento — and of course our White Plains High School students for their accomplishments,” she said.