Manor ISD Brings STEM to Life Through FRC District Event

As teams arrive ready to showcase everything they have worked for, the venue will come alive with the sound of cheering, while the smell of Central Texas BBQ drifts through the air, building an atmosphere that is impossible to ignore, and even those watching online will feel the energy through the screen. Manor ISD is getting ready to host a FIRST® Robotics Competition District Event, and the energy is already building. FIRST in Texas had the opportunity to sit down with Manor ISD Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani to hear his perspective on the event and his vision for the impact it will have on students and the community. As a Captain of Innovation Sponsor, Manor ISD plays a vital role in making this event possible. Their dedication to advancing STEM opportunities strengthens the connection between education and real-world innovation.

This three-day event is about more than robots. Teams from across Texas and New Mexico will take the field, bringing months of hard work, creativity, and determination with them. As a Week 4 event, every match will carry intensity, every alliance will tell a story, and every student will have a moment to shine. This is what FIRST is all about, and we are proud to partner with Manor ISD to put it on display. “This is about showing students what they can achieve and helping them take that next step into their future,” said Dr. Sormani.

Events like this are changing how students see STEM. It is no longer just something from a textbook, but something that is hands-on, fast-paced, and filled with real-world applications. Students are building, problem-solving, collaborating, and developing confidence and determination through every challenge they face. This is something that can't fully be put into words, it has to be seen. As Dr. Sormani shared, it is in watching students return to their pits after their first match, immediately taking apart their robot to identify issues, make improvements, and get back on the field within hours that this growth truly comes to life. For those walking in for the first time, whether as spectators or future participants, the message is clear: STEM is exciting, creative, and for everyone.

Manor ISD has taken an active role in promoting the event, including sharing videos that highlight how robotics can launch students into STEM pathways. That visibility is intentional. “I think one of the most important things is exposure,” Dr. Sormani said. “When students see what’s possible, when they see other students building, creating, and competing, it opens doors they may not have considered before.”

And while it may sound simple, there is a truth behind it. The unofficial rule of thumb among students is that something becomes “cool” the moment they see their peers doing it. When students can watch others their age designing robots, competing, and succeeding, it shifts their mindset from “that’s interesting” to “I can do that too.” That kind of peer-driven validation is powerful, and events like this bring it to life in a way that is uniquely possible through robotics.

Located near major industry leaders like Tesla, Samsung, and Applied Materials, Manor ISD sits at the center of a rapidly growing technology corridor. “We are a hub of high technology,” Dr. Sormani shared. “This is a great opportunity to showcase what our students are learning and what they can contribute to those companies in the future.”

Alongside Dr. Sormani, we are excited to welcome political leaders and supporters to the Manor District Event, where they will witness firsthand the impact and importance of investing in the next generation. This event provides a valuable opportunity for the community to see firsthand what is happening in public education, how students are engaging with STEM in meaningful ways, and the impact these programs are having on preparing the future workforce.

Dr. Sormani sees robotics and STEM education continuing to grow as a core part of the student experience in Manor ISD. He hopes to expand access across the full FIRST pipeline, from elementary to middle to high school, with opportunities available at every campus. His vision is for students as early as third grade to begin looking ahead, excited to one day be a Titan or a Mustang and represent their future robotics team.

This competition may last three days, but the impact will last far beyond it. As Dr. Sormani said best, “Welcome to Manor ISD, enjoy yourselves, have a good time, and let the excitement begin.

Event Recap
What started as anticipation quickly turned into an unforgettable event. Teams brought incredible energy, filling the venue with innovation, teamwork, and excitement from start to finish. VIP guests experienced firsthand what FIRST is all about, including Manor Mayor Christopher Harvey, who spoke on the impact of STEM in the community, and Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani, who joined us for a follow-up conversation. From intense matches to meaningful moments between students, mentors, and volunteers, the day showcased exactly what makes this community so special. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

The energy, the matches, the moments you don’t want to miss.
View the full photo gallery: https://fit.smugmug.com/FIRST-Robotics-Competition/2026/Manor-2026