Built to Compete. Designed to Lead.

Our Robotics Team, the only all-girls team in our district, kicked off its competition season with determination, grit, and a drive to keep improving. Traveling to Chesapeake for the Chesapeake District Event at Hickory High School from March 20 to 22, 2026, the team stepped onto the field ready to test their work against 30 teams from Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia.

At the end of qualification matches, the team ranked 18th, an impressive showing for their first competition of the season. They were selected by the 6th alliance and advanced into the playoffs, where they battled through to the third round before being eliminated.

But for this team, competition is just as much about growth as it is about results. After Chesapeake, they returned to campus, made key updates to their robot, and prepared for their next challenge.

That challenge came at the Blacksburg District Event the weekend of March 27, 2026, hosted at Blacksburg High School in Blacksburg. Once again competing against 30 teams from across the region, the impact of their adjustments was clear.

This time, the team climbed to an impressive 8th place at the end of qualification matches, earning the role of 5th alliance captain. In that leadership position, they selected Team 5115 – Knight Riders and Team 3072 – Backwoods Bots to complete their alliance. Together, they advanced to the third round of playoffs, showing consistency, resilience, and competitive strength.

One of the standout moments of the weekend came during qualification match 22, when they partnered with Team 2106 – The Junkyard Dogs and Team 11415 – Storm Surge. The alliance achieved a remarkable 474 points, the highest score of any qualification match in the FIRST Chesapeake District this season.

Behind every match is a team working in sync, thinking quickly, and leading with confidence. This year’s drive team brought that energy to every moment on the field:

From competition to competition, this team continues to build, adapt, and lead. More than rankings or results, they are gaining something far more lasting: confidence, collaboration, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure.

These students are not just competing. They are proving what is possible. Way to go, Tutu Turtles! (Photos from their competition in the Chesapeake District Event, March 20-22, 2026)

We were so excited to see two alumnae at our competition in Chesapeake: Claire Mayo ‘15 was the Field Supervisor, and Alveria Coles ‘94 is the assistant principal at Hickory High School. We always love seeing alumnae on the road!