Inside the Amherst Regional High School, a team of thinkers, makers, and coders quietly transformed how students approach STEM education.
This year’s ARHS Robotics Team has not only tackled tough technical challenges and high-stakes competitions but also forged a path forward for robotics in Western Massachusetts. Competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge, the student-led group designed and built a competitive robot (named Lilo) from scratch, earning accolades and the respect of their peers along the way.
A Team With Purpose
The club is captained by Alex L. and Yoh M., both seniors, who began discussing the idea of a robotics team during a cross-country run back in 10th grade. Realizing they shared a vision, the two co-founded the club to bring STEM opportunities to ARHS students.
Alex focused on team communication and leadership, while Yoh oversaw finances and legal operations, including ordering essential parts. Senior Olivia F. kept the team organized as Administrative Lead, handling everything from registration to logistics. Bill C., another senior, made sure the team stayed compliant with competition regulations.
2025 robotics team
The team is divided into subgroups, each with a specific focus. On the software side, Cam B. led the charge, mentoring newer coders like Jonas T. and Andrew W., both of whom were instrumental in testing and refining the robot’s code. On the mechanical front, Libby S., Ella W., and Kira G. designed and assembled the robot’s lift mechanism. Meanwhile, the intake system (a crucial part of the robot) was led by Brennan S., Gideon A., Max C., and Toby Y., who handled everything from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to 3D printing. Additional administrative and logistical support came from Holden C., who ensured that parts and people made it where they needed to go.
“We met every day. We worked at each other’s houses. This team is a family,” said Alex. Becoming a family of coders, administrators, and (in general) engineers, the team shows the full community what it means to be ARPS. By being accountable, respectful, professional, and engaged, this student-centered group came together to build not only a robot but a larger legacy.
Challenges on and off the Court
The team faced stiff technical and logistical hurdles. “We couldn’t purchase parts fast enough,” explained the team. Instead, they relied on 3D printing and CAD modeling to prototype dozens of components. “Sometimes we started prints at 3 a.m. before competitions,” said one member of the team.
During the Rams Robot Rally, a key qualifier for the Massachusetts State Competition, the team encountered major setbacks. A failed servo motor left their robot’s intake arm unusable just before the second-to-last match. “We had to slam the robot against the central cage to manually rotate the wrist,” said Alex. Despite not making it to the final round, the team walked away with something to be proud of: the Motivate Award. This award celebrates community outreach, team spirit, and the embodiment of FIRST’s core values.
Meet Lilo
Every project needs a name and a mascot; for the ARHS Robotics team, theirs was Lilo, the robot at the center of the group. The name came from their top donor, Polish National Credit Union, as tradition dictates that the top donor decides the name.
From pink-themed design to sparkles, LED lights, and even wood paneling, Lilo stood out at every event. “We used masking tape in the final version, and it ended up being one of our most effective adaptations.”
In design, Lilo was more than a fashion icon; featuring an active intake system with adjustable height, a gecko-wheel system that connected to a bucket, and a structure built seamlessly with both wood and metal paneling, Lilo blends precision with personality.
Community First
The team’s influence extended far beyond the walls of ARHS. With outreach events at the Pelham Spring Fair, a library workshop, and presentations at the middle school, they brought STEM to younger students and sparked interest across the district.
“We’re hoping to start a Western Mass Robotics Coalition,” said Ella W., “so teams like ours can scrimmage and grow together. This area is underrepresented, and we want to change that.”
As seniors prepare to graduate this week, the club is focused on the future. “We’re training younger students, building leadership skills, and looking for new mentors and sponsors,” said Libby S. “We want to make sure this opportunity keeps going.”
In line with the district’s hopes of broad student extracurriculars and additional programming, the ARHS Robotics team and Lilo show what can be accomplished with a little determination and creativity.
“I was truly inspired by the creativity and dedication these students brought to their work,” said Superintendent Dr. Xi. “It’s powerful to see young people engaging so deeply with STEM, and even more so to watch their curiosity grow into real, meaningful accomplishments.”
More Than a Machine
What the ARHS Robotics Team built this year isn’t just a robot—it’s a culture of collaboration, innovation, and heart.
“Before robotics, I thought building machines required years of technical education,” said Libby. “But now I know it’s about creative problem-solving and a willingness to learn. That’s what robotics taught me.”
With the next generation’s eyes on future seasons and a plan to bring Western Mass teams together, the ARHS Robotics Team shows that creativity and creation don’t only come from big cities or massive budgets. They can be the flower through a crack in the pavement by growing from shared goals, late-night builds, and a group of students who dare to dream.