Campion College clinches 2025 high school robotics championship title

In a thrilling climax to the 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Jamaica Robotics Championship, the Crimson Crocs from Campion College snagged the prestigious Inspire Award – a testament to the team’s embodiment of the spirit of STEM education and community impact.

Held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St Andrew, this year’s championship had 28 teams competing fiercely across two electrifying days that concluded on March 8, showcasing some of the brightest young talent in robotics and engineering from across the island.

“The night before the competition, our lead programmer notified us that he was severely ill and could not make it to the first day of the competition,” expressed Ojani Chung, Captain of the Crimson Crocs.

“Instead of accepting defeat, we worked with our junior programmers to quickly review our code and make adjustments the morning of the competition. These adjustments laid the groundwork for our success.”

The competition’s top honour, the Inspire Award, is presented to the team that best embodies the spirit of the FIRST Tech Challenge programme, where members function as strong ambassadors for FIRST initiatives both within their community and the competition.

Having demonstrated an exceptional performance across all judging categories, the Crimson Crocs will now represent Jamaica at the prestigious FIRST World Championship from April 16-19 in Houston, Texas in the United States, alongside the Hillel Panthers and AISK Hurricanes.

The awards ceremony recognised and celebrated outstanding student leaders who embodied FIRST ideals, termed The FIRST Dean’s List finalists. Daniel Thomas from Kingston College, Sean-Michael Williams from AISK and Mariesha Gayle from St Hilda’s Diocesan High School were nominated for their impactful contributions to their teams and communities.

Zonya Hall, coach of Glenmuir High, was recognised for her exemplary leadership and dedication to the FIRST Tech Challenge mission and was suitably conferred with the Compass Award.

“FTC Jamaica is dedicated to fostering a supportive community throughout the robotics season and during competitions,” Gavin Samuels, tournament director of FTC Jamaica, emphasised.

“By emphasising values like gracious professionalism and teamwork, we ensure all participating teams, especially those facing challenges, receive the necessary support to be successful and competitive each year.”

The NCB Foundation, also the title sponsor, is notably recognised as a major contributor to the event’s success through its dedication and commitment to advancing STEM education and inspiring students.

The NCB Foundation Spirit Award, which acknowledges resilience and a strong sense of community, was bestowed upon Team 22638 CC1BOT from Clarendon College, further confirming the vision of the foundation.

“The National Commercial Bank sees this as one of the vehicles that we use to develop and advance our priorities. Our priorities are simple: it’s to build a better Jamaica,” affirmed Belinda Williams, head of NCB’s corporate affairs and foundation.

Other major sponsors – including JPS Foundation, ATL Unbeatable, ATL Automotive, Pioneer Manufacturing, First Class Entertainment, The Barita Foundation, Petrojam Limited, GK General Insurance, Pure Water, Pizza Hut, and AEROTEL – were also honored for their invaluable support.

The competition culminated with the announcement of the Winning Alliance, which was awarded to Team 17980 Hurricanes from AISK and Team 24994 Panthers from Hillel Academy.

Promising future

The 2024-2025 FTC Jamaica Robotics Championship served as a remarkable showcase of Jamaica’s promising future in STEM. The winning teams, alongside their mentors and volunteers, played crucial roles in the event’s success, inspiring future generations of engineers, scientists, and innovators.

“This season was a resounding success in nearly every aspect, with 28 teams from across Jamaica participating in our paired-alliance format. As the robotics programmes at each school continue to mature, teams are becoming increasingly competitive, demonstrating enhanced performance both on and off the field each year,” Samuels concluded.

As the FTC season wraps up, attention now shifts to the upcoming FIRST Lego League Championship scheduled for June, where Jamaica’s brightest young minds will compete in a spirited event for primary schools across the country.