San Antonio, Texas – Our incredible FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition teams came together for an inspiring outreach event that celebrated the vital connection between creativity and technology. It was super special to have our all-girl teams who are also Girl Scouts be in attendance. The atmosphere was electric as girls of all ages engaged in hands-on activities, immersing themselves in the captivating world of robotics. This event not only highlighted the excitement of STEM but also emphasized its importance in empowering young girls to see themselves as future innovators and leaders in fields where women are often underrepresented. As laughter filled the air and learning took center stage, we created an environment rich with joy and discovery, illustrating how fostering a passion for STEM equips these young minds with the skills and confidence to break barriers and shape a brighter future.
Speaking of center stage, Kate the Chemist truly captivated us all with her infectious energy and spectacular experiments that lit up the room! One of our FIRST LEGO League students and two of our FIRST Tech Challenge students had the exciting opportunity to join Kate on stage, assisting her with the demonstration and adding to the magic of the moment.
Anastasias Suponkina team #5059 “Error 404” (Left) and Kate the Chemist
Zeybep Ozturk and Makenna Lewis from team #5243 “Waffle Warriors” and Kate the Chemist
Our FIRST LEGO League Challenge team, #2097 Lions, did a fantastic job showcasing the 2024/2025 season game, SUBMERGED℠. They inspired our younger audience by demonstrating that you’re never too young to dive into a robotics program and that there’s always a place for you here at FIRST in Texas. It’s not just about building with Legos; this experience offers invaluable learning and foundational skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Anastasias Suponkina from team #5059 “Error 404” (Left) and FLL Challenge Team #2097 “Lions”
Waffle Warriors, our FIRST Tech Team, generously welcomed curious minds to drive their robots on the INTO THE DEEP mock field. They took the time to explain the gameplay and scoring mechanics, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies involved. It was an exciting opportunity for everyone to engage with robotics and learn firsthand how teamwork and innovation come together in this thrilling competition!
FTC Team #5243 “Waffle Warriors”
Lastly, our FIRST Robotics Competition team, The Lady Cans, made the journey from Austin, Texas. They engaged eager kids by launching a NOTE—an orange foam torus from last season’s game, CRESCENDO. The excitement in the air was electric as the children reached out to catch the flying foam, creating a memorable moment that highlighted the fun and energy of robotics! I also had the pleasure of interviewing The Lady Cans about their journey within FIRST in Texas and their experiences with Girl Scouts.
Shriya, Arynn, and Mahek from team 2881, The Lady Cans, all shared how FIRST Robotics Competition has profoundly impacted their lives by unlocking a new level of confidence. Shriya reflected on how the COVID pandemic made her more introverted, but thanks to her team and FRC, she has found her voice: “It has really helped me reach new heights!” Arynn highlighted how FIRST in Texas has not only fostered friendships but also provided an outlet for her creativity. Arynn noted, “I now think more mechanically in my everyday life; I really see behind the scenes of everything I’m doing. It’s no longer just fancy lights; it’s all the people behind those lights that I think of!” Mahek spoke about how FRC inspired her to pursue a career in engineering, saying, “Before, I was a little scared to try engineering; I didn’t have much background. FRC really gave me that background I needed and told me that I can really learn, and I can do it even if I don’t know that much.”
They all expressed their gratitude to Girl Scouts, emphasizing that the fundamental qualities learned through scouting have been invaluable within FIRST. They believe that the core values instilled by the Girl Scouts and the experiences gained from robotics go hand in hand, equipping them with essential skills for success in life.
FRC Team #2881 “The Lady Cans”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Girl Scouts Southwest Texas for inviting us to their 100th anniversary celebration, Adventure Day. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was a joy to showcase STEM in such a dynamic and engaging setting. The enthusiasm and curiosity from everyone present made the day truly memorable, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in inspiring the next generation of leaders. Here’s to many more years of partnership and exploration in STEM!