MVCC represents 3 FIRST Robotics Teams at World Championship

Large group of people standing in a semicircle at the robotics championship

Mohawk Valley Community College, representing the NY Excelsior FIRST® Tech Challenge Region, supported three outstanding youth robotics teams as they competed on the global stage at the 2025 FIRST World Championship, held April 16-19 in Houston, Texas.

A proud partner of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), MVCC supports 120 youth robotics teams composed of more than 1,200 students in grades 6-12 across New York State. The College also runs 10 competitions each season, culminating in the MVCC Regional Championship, which was held March 8-9, 2025, in Utica, N.Y.

Three teams advanced to the global competition in Houston:

  • Gorillabots 5485 from Corning, N.Y.
  • Sharkbots 14903 from the French-American School of New York in Mamaroneck, N.Y.
  • JAYBOTS 16700 from Wappinger’s John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction/Fishkill, N.Y.

After the FIRST World Championship, among 7,900 teams worldwide, these NY Excelsior Region teams earned remarkable global rankings: The Sharkbots are No. 14, the Gorillabots are No. 26, and the JAYBOTS are No. 350.

At the FIRST World Championship, 256 FIRST Tech Challenge teams were divided into four divisions, each competing with custom-designed and programmed robots in 10 qualification matches and participating in interviews with volunteer judges from STEM industries. The Gorillabots and JAYBOTS competed in one division, and the Sharkbots competed in a different division. The Gorillabots finished their qualification matches with an impressive 9-1-0 record, ranking No. 1 in their division, while the Sharkbots achieved a No. 2 ranking. Both teams advanced to their divisional playoff rounds, with the Gorillabots finishing with a final 10-3-0 record. The Sharkbots, partnered with other top teams, advanced deep into the finals before being eliminated by strong competitors from Romania.

In addition to their strong competition performances:

  • The JAYBOTS 16700 earned a Judges’ Choice Award for their innovative use of 3D printing, including producing parts on-site for other teams at the FIRST World Championship. Three team members also received special “Gracious Professionalism” pins.
  • The Sharkbots 14903 received the Finalist Alliance Captain trophy for robot competition and were honored with the prestigious Second Place Inspire Award, recognizing them as a role model team that exemplifies FIRST’s values and outstanding achievement across multiple categories. This judged award is given to teams who are a strong ambassador for FIRST programs and a top contender for many of the other judged awards in design, innovation, and connecting with STEM professionals.

The NY Excelsior Region was also proudly represented by three Dean’s List Award Finalists: Eliana Lieber (Techno Chix 18), Nicole Miller (TARDIS 5356), and Miriam Sayward (Team Beta 8397). The Dean’s List Award celebrates the leadership and dedication of secondary school students who have led their teams and communities to increased awareness for FIRST and STEM education.

Several dedicated volunteers from the NY Excelsior Region also traveled to Houston to serve at the Championship, positively representing New York State with their service, dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing the mission of FIRST.

MVCC’s support of FIRST programs extends beyond competitions. Through its College for Kids and Teens programs, MVCC’s Center for Corporate and Community Education offers robotics courses for ages 6-19. Learn more here. 

About FIRST®  

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $80 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; and FIRST LEGO® League Discover, Explore and Challenge for Grades K-8. To learn more about FIRST, visit firstinspires.org.