Ossining High School robotics team earns regional awards, advances to world championships; students urge stronger K-12 pipeline

Ossining ' Members of the Ossining High School Engineering/Robotics Club presented their 2025 season to the Board of Education on May 14, told the board they won multiple regional awards and advanced to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, and urged the district to build an earlier K-12 pipeline into robotics and provide more tools and funding.

The presentation matters because students said early exposure and access to equipment (CNC machines, parts and sensors) are limiting factors for competitive performance, and because the district is planning a CTE space that would house a dedicated robotics lab.

The students described their season: they hosted a kickoff with eight regional teams, spent eight weeks in a build season, and competed at three regionals. The team placed 15th at the Hudson Valley Regional and won an "innovation in control" award; it finished second and was an event finalist at a Pittsburgh regional, winning an "outstanding autonomous routine" award; and it placed fourth at the Tech Valley Regional where the team captained a playoff alliance. Student presenters said those results qualified the team for the FIRST World Championship in Houston. "This was an amazing experience for us," a student presenter said, adding that it was the first time in team history they advanced to the playoffs.

Students pressed for a stronger feeder pipeline from elementary and middle schools. A student explained that younger students often lack exposure to the robotics environment and suggested the district support FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge programs so students arrive at high school better prepared. "When students come to the high school they really don't have an idea of what we're doing on the team," a student presenter said. The students also asked for additional funding for shop access and parts so the team can use newer motors and sensors rather than choosing components based on cost or availability.

Several board members and administrators praised the students and flagged plans to incorporate their needs into ongoing facility design. Superintendent Mary Fox Alter and architects noted the planned CTE building will include a robotics lab with roll-up doors and outdoor access; David Hunsberger of CPL said the new lab "is going to be a fantastic space." Director of Facilities Jared Mance and transportation staff described logistics for moving the robot to outreach events; the district's technology department will arrange elementary-school tours of the robot in the coming weeks.

Students acknowledged adult mentors and volunteers, naming Tom Hannon and alumnus volunteer Mike Lima, and thanked the business office and transportation staff for supporting travel to out-of-state competitions. Board members suggested the team continue outreach to younger students; several trustees said they were already seeing increased interest after recent school visits.

What's next: students will tour elementary schools with the robot and the district will fold input from the team into CTE design discussions over the summer. The board and administration said they will consider options to expand feeder programs and examine funding and equipment needs for the robotics lab design.

The presentation concluded with a live demonstration of the robot and a photo with the board.