SPAM Robotics showcases championship season and local STEM outreach
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Summary
Students and staff presented recent competitive successes — regional wins, a world championship division title and the Impact Award — and described a new 6,650‑square‑foot STEM center, youth camps and school field trips that reached local elementary and middle schools.
Members of the SPAM Robotics team presented their 2025 season results to the Martin County School Board, highlighting competitive success and extensive community outreach that the team said has expanded STEM exposure across district schools.
Coordinator Mark Cowles introduced student leaders who recounted building a 115‑pound robot, attending two regional events and qualifying for and competing at the world championship, where the team was part of a top alliance and won an autonomous‑play award. Student leaders said the team won the Impact Award for community outreach after logging more than 2,000 student‑outreach hours, hosting local robotics camps, and opening a 6,650‑square‑foot SPAM Robotics STEM center.
Zack Dean, team president, and other student speakers emphasized hands‑on mentorship: the center hosts First Lego League and First Tech Challenge teams and runs field trips for Crystal Lake Elementary and several middle schools. Students also described off‑season events, in‑school CAD and electrical classes, and efforts to double female participation and engage students from five public high schools and local private and homeschool programs.
Chair praised the students and the program, and the superintendent thanked staff and community partners for supporting robotics field trips that introduce elementary and middle school students to STEM pathways.