MISSION, TEXAS (April 15, 2024) - The Patriot Engineering Team 8019 from Veterans Memorial High School is representing Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) at the 2024 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) World Championship in Houston, Texas.
The Patriots are one of the first teams from the Rio Grande Valley to advance to this global event in consecutive years. They will join thousands of students from around the world to compete for the championship title.
FIRST® is a robotics organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges, according to their website.
The team's journey to the World Championship began in January with the start of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Throughout the season, they competed in multiple competitions and secured their spot in the World Championship by earning the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award at the State Championship in Houston, Texas.
Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carol G. Perez, shared her enthusiasm and support for the FRC team.
"Our students have demonstrated incredible dedication and innovation in reaching this level of competition,” Perez said. “On behalf of the Mission CISD Board of Trustees, leadership, and staff we wish them the best of luck!”
The team's coaches and mentors include:
· Jose L. Sanchez,
· Jonathan Garcia,
· Allan Hernandez
· Shaila Silva-Sanchez
· Ismael Alvarado
· Jordan Hernandez
· Alan Mendez,
· Hugo Mireles
Team 8019's roster includes:
· Nikolas Salinas
· Logan Martinez
· Lukas Martinez
· Linda De Leon
· Valerie Ruiz
· Noema Trevino
· Robert Garza
· Christine Zayas
· Ramiro Sepulveda
· Cristian Quintero
· Hector Cantu
· Troy Champion
· Mia Flores
· Keyla Gonzalez
· Marcos Garcia
· Isaac Trevino,
· Juliana Ortiz
· Julissa Ortiz
· Alexander Hinojosa
· Seth Zelinger
· Landen Rios
· Nicholas Hernandez
· Carlos Delgadillo
· Samuel Ibarra
· Diego Desiga
· Vincent Reyes
· Gustavo Fajardo
· Mia Montelongo
· Zoey Colorado
· Miguel Verde
Reflecting on the team's competitive season, Coach Jose Sanchez expressed pride in the dedication they’ve shown throughout their journey.
“Every year, this team pushes the boundaries of what's possible, incorporating new technologies, skills, and strategies into their build and outreach efforts,” Sanchez said. “Our team experienced many ups and downs throughout our events, each time walking away with valuable lessons. Regardless of what we were facing, we never lost faith.”
The 2024 FIRST World Championship will be held in Houston as a four-day event from April 17-20, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
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