Sanford Students Earn Design Award at FIRST Tech Challenge

The team divided roles to match their strengths: Walter led the robot build, Nico focused on coding, and Teddy served as driver. But all three worked across every stage of development, from assembling the drivetrain that powers the wheels to designing a 3D-printed cannon that uses two spinning flywheels to launch balls accurately. They iterated multiple intake mechanisms, making small improvements again and again to make sure the robot could handle game pieces efficiently.

Their creativity and ingenuity earned them the competition’s Design Award, which recognizes teams that create a robot with a balance of form, function, and style while effectively meeting the challenge’s goals. For Nico, the recognition affirmed their efforts: “Winning the award was a reminder that our team was a force to be reckoned with.” 

Beyond the competition, Nico, Walter, and Teddy are invested in sharing their passion for robotics with their peers at Sanford. The team started the Upper School Robotics Club, actively recruiting peers passionate about STEM at three club fairs. They have also inspired younger students in FIRST (formerly Lego League Club) by presenting their DECODE robot to the next generation of builders and coders.

The DECODE award highlights not only their technical skill, but also their ability to collaborate, innovate, and turn ideas into reality: a hallmark of a Sanford education. We couldn’t be prouder of Nico, Walter, and Teddy for bringing our motto to life and transforming their talents into something tangible.