Marianas High School – VEX V5 Robotics High-Stakes Competition

Writer – C/2LT Gianan, Ronette

Photographer – C/2LT Yu, Summer

The JROTC cadets from the Dolphin Battalion participated in the VEX V5 Robotics High-Stakes Competition on February 1, 2025, at Liberty Station Conference Center. The event aimed to showcase the skills and innovation of the robotics team, which is an essential part of the program. The focus was on designing and modifying robots to complete specific tasks, fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and leadership. The students gained hands-on experience that enhances problem-solving abilities and prepares them for future challenges.

During the competition, students designed, built, and programmed robots, practiced driving and strategizing, and kept track of their journey in engineering notebooks. They collaborated with alliance partners, showcasing their robots’ abilities in skills challenges and qualifying matches. They faced judges, explained their design process, and demonstrated teamwork.

The event was a challenging and rewarding experience, allowing students to demonstrate their skills, learn from others, and advance to higher levels of competition. The cadets’ determination and perseverance in conquering obstacles were commendable, as they represented the Dolphin Battalion as the first CNMI Robotics Team to qualify for the competition in San Diego, CA.