IN a thrilling climax to the 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Jamaica Robotics Championship, the Crimson Crocs from Campion College snagged the prestigious Inspire Award, a testament to the team’s embodiment of the spirit of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and community impact.

Held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College, this year’s championship had 28 teams competing fiercely across two electrifying days that concluded on March 8, showcasing some of the brightest young talent in robotics and engineering from across the island.

“The night before the competition, our lead programmer notified us that he was severely ill and could not make it to the first day of the competition. Instead of accepting defeat, we worked with our junior programmers to quickly review our code and make adjustments the morning of the competition. These adjustments laid the groundwork for our success,” said Ojani Chung, captain of the Crimson Crocs.

The competition’s top honour, The Inspire Award, is presented to the team that best embodies the spirit of the FIRST Tech Challenge programme, where members function as strong ambassadors for FIRST initiatives both within their community and the competition. Having demonstrated an exceptional performance across all judging categories, the Crimson Crocs will now represent Jamaica at the FIRST World Championship April 16-19, 2025 in Houston, Texas, alongside The Hillel Panthers and AISK Hurricanes.

The awards ceremony recognised and celebrated outstanding student leaders who embodied FIRST ideals, termed The FIRST Dean’s List Finalists. Daniel Thomas from Kingston College; Sean-Michael Williams from AISK; and Mariesha Gayle from St Hilda’s Diocesan High School were nominated for their impactful contributions to their teams and communities. Zonya Hall, coach of Glenmuir High, was recognised for her exemplary leadership and dedication to the FIRST Tech Challenge mission and was suitably conferred with the Compass Award.

“FTC Jamaica is dedicated to fostering a supportive community throughout the robotics season and during competitions. By emphasising values like gracious professionalism and teamwork, we ensure all participating teams, especially those facing challenges, receive the necessary support to be successful and competitive each year,” Gavin Samuels, tournament director, FTC Jamaica said.

The NCB Foundation, also the title sponsor, is a major contributor to the event’s success through its dedication and commitment to advancing STEM education and inspiring students. The NCB Foundation Spirit Award, which acknowledges resilience and a strong sense of community, was bestowed upon Team 22638 CC1BOT from Clarendon College.

“The National Commercial Bank sees this as one of the vehicles that we use to develop and advance our priorities. Our priorities are simple; it’s to build a better Jamaica,” affirmed Belinda Williams, head of corporate affairs & foundation – National Commercial Bank.

Other major sponsors, including JPS Foundation, ATL Unbeatable, ATL Automotive, Pioneer Manufacturing, First Class Entertainment, Barita Foundation, Petrojam Limited, GK General Insurance, Purewater, Pizza Hut, and AEROTEL, were also honoured for their invaluable support.

The competition culminated with the announcement of The Winning Alliance, which was awarded to Team 17980 Hurricanes from AISK and Team 24994 Panthers from Hillel Academy.

“This season was a resounding success in nearly every aspect, with 28 teams from across Jamaica participating in our paired-alliance format. As the robotics programmes at each school continue to mature, teams are becoming increasingly competitive, demonstrating enhanced performance both on and off the field each year,” Samuels said.

As the FTC season wraps up, attention now shifts to the upcoming FIRST Lego League Championship scheduled for June, where Jamaica’s brightest young minds will compete in a spirited event for primary schools across the country.