On February 22, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a judge for the FIRST LEGO League Missouri Regional Championship at Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, Missouri. The event brought together 42 teams of students in grades 4-8 from across the region, each showcasing their hard work, creativity, and passion for STEM.
As a judge, I evaluated teams based on their presentation of FIRST’s Core Values—leadership, teamwork, and gracious professionalism—as well as their project research, innovation, and robot design. Watching these young minds tackle complex challenges with enthusiasm and ingenuity was nothing short of inspiring.
One of the most astonishing aspects of the day was the overwhelming sense of collaboration and positivity among the teams. Even in the heat of competition, students supported one another, shared ideas, and celebrated each other’s successes. Coaches played an essential role in fostering this environment, guiding their teams with patience and dedication. I couldn’t help but feel proud of the students and their mentors for their unwavering commitment to learning and innovation.
Beyond the robots and research presentations, FIRST helps students develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence. They’re not just building robots—they’re gaining skills that will shape their future.
If you’re a teacher in Missouri looking to get involved with FIRST robotics, there are many ways to bring this transformative program to your students. Whether you want to start a team, mentor students, or volunteer at events, you can make a difference. For more information on how to get started, visit FIRST in Missouri and take the first step toward inspiring the next generation of innovators!
