VEX V5 Robotics Champions

Eagle Hill School wraps up hosting exciting VEX V5 Robotics League.

Eagle Hill School’s campus was teeming with excitement as the final week of the VEX V5 Robotics League concluded. Over four weeks, the school welcomed twelve teams from five schools, including Hampden Charter School of Science East, Worcester Academy, Cushing Academy, The Williston Northampton School, for a series of thrilling competitions.

Under the direction of Dr. Rogelio Palomera-Arias, Eagle Hill’s Robotics Program brought a wave of energy to campus. Faculty, staff, and students came together to successfully host the league from October 22 through November 12. Pioneer pride was on full display as the community joined the sidelines to cheer on the robotics teams.

Interest in robotics at Eagle Hill has grown tremendously over the past few years. Students have the opportunity to tinker with robots, experiment with code, and explore engineering concepts. Sam R., Class of 2026, has been part of the robotics program throughout his time at Eagle Hill and reflected on how much it has developed: “It means a lot to our program mainly because after five years we’ve experienced so much growth. I couldn’t have even imagined doing this two years ago.” He added that watching newer teams, “is like watching us when we first started, so it makes me happy to know that there’s still going to be a program long into the future.”

“The hardest part about programming a robot is learning the code itself and being able to do it in the time it takes. It takes a long time.”

Newer students are experiencing that excitement firsthand. Lyla G., Class of 2030, described the program as one that fosters “communication, trust, and bonding because we have so much fun. I really enjoy being in the building room and just hanging out because everyone’s so funny and kind.” On the technical side, she noted, “The hardest part about programming a robot is learning the code itself and being able to do it in the time it takes. It takes a long time.” Lyla’s motivation for joining robotics reflects the spirit of Eagle Hill’s STEM programs: “I wanted to get involved with robotics because I want to be a mechanical engineer when I’m older and I want to work with robots, so I thought this would be a good and fun way to start my journey.”

Over the last few weeks, teams competed in the VEX V5 Robotics Competition Push Back, collecting and scoring blocks into two long goals located along the sides of the field and a two-level center goal. These challenges tested students’ teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving skills. In the league finals, teams showcased their individual driving and coding abilities in one-minute skill matches, completing three driving and three coding runs per session.

The following titles were earned during the finals of Robotics League:

• Tournament Skills Champion: Pioneer Flamingos
• Tournament Champions: Pioneer Flamingos and Pioneer Ostriches
• Excellence Award: Pioneer Flamingos
• Judges Award: Worcester Academy’s Dumpster Fires
• Design Award: Worcester Academy’s Pelican-1

Eagle Hill’s youngest team, the Pioneer Dodos, made a remarkable debut. They designed and built their robot in just six weeks and finished fourth in the qualification stage, outperforming older and more experienced teams.

Programs like the VEX V5 Robotics League reflect Eagle Hill School’s commitment to hands-on, experiential STEM learning. From robotics and coding to engineering, environmental studies, and digital design, students are encouraged to explore curiosity-driven innovation in real-world contexts, developing skills that will prepare them for the future of science and technology.