MISSION, TEXAS (March 12, 2025) – Veterans Memorial High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 8019, Patriot Engineering, has been honored with the ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’ (FIRST) Impact Award at their district competition in Belton, Texas. This prestigious award is the highest recognition in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), celebrating teams that best embody the mission of FIRST and serve as a model for others to emulate.
The FIRST Impact Award highlights teams that have made a lasting impact on their communities by promoting STEM education and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and technology. Over the past three years, Patriot Engineering has dedicated countless hours to community outreach, leading STEM initiatives for elementary students, volunteering at FIRST LEGO League (FLL) events, and assisting other FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FRC teams across the region. The team has also engaged the public with their t-shirt cannon robot at football games, further spreading awareness and enthusiasm for STEM.
Jose Sanchez, CTE STEM VMHS Teacher and Patriot Engineering Sponsor, reflected on the team’s achievement, emphasizing the lasting impact of past and present students.
"This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, both past and present. The foundation laid by the classes of 2023 and 2024 has helped build a lasting legacy of excellence that continues to grow,” said Sanchez. “Patriot Engineering has become a community dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders and making an impact beyond competition.”
Patriot Engineering Team Roster:
Julissa Ortiz, Carlos Delgadillo, Sam Ibarra, Alexander Hinojosa, Vincent Reyes, Zoey Colorado, Diego Desiga, Seth Zellinger, Landen Rios, Gustavo Fajardo, Danae Cantu, Alexia Rodriguez, Arnold Ochoa, Leslie Resendez, Efren Garcia, Jocelyn Cruz, Mia Montelongo, Jose Martinez, Evie Gonzalez.
Patriot Engineering Coaches:
Jose L. Sanchez and Allan Hernandez
In addition to this historic achievement, FRC Team 8019-Patriot Engineering is now one of the first high school teams from the Rio Grande Valley to receive the FIRST Impact Award. Their journey is far from over, as they now advance to the FIRST in Texas District Championship in Houston, where they will compete against other Impact Award winners from April 3-6, 2025.
Mission CISD congratulates Patriot Engineering on this outstanding achievement and wishes them the best of luck at the FIRST in Texas District Championship!
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