Members of the Bolles upper school FIRST® TECH Challenge team Static Discharge traveled to Edmonton this summer for the FIRST Alberta Canadian Rockies Open, held July 18-27. 

Accompanied by Bolles Robotics coach Devan Skapetis, rising seniors Meghanne Posick ’26, Jay Deshmukh ’26 and Jay Manohar ’26 faced off against 39 teams from 12 countries, finishing 12th in qualifications before making a deep run into the playoffs.

Skapetis said the team unfortunately ran into a terminal issue with the robot, however, they were presented the first place Control Award, given to the team that demonstrates innovative thinking and solutions to solve game challenges – such as autonomous operation, improving mechanical systems with intelligent control or using sensors to achieve better results.

“On top of that, they made new connections and friends from around the world that they will communicate with this year to help each other grow,” Skapetis said.

FTC Premier Events are capstone events specifically focused on celebrating FIRST Tech Challenge teams. Teams earn advancement to Premier Events based on performance at their Regional Championship events. Well done, Bulldogs! #BollesInnovates