Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The Robostangs from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently returned from Orlando, Florida, with a significant national achievement. Representing MHA at the Adventist Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge, April 11-12, the team secured a third-place finish for the Inspire Award, which is the competition’s most prestigious honor, given to the team that best represents the spirit of the program and serves as a model for other participants.

The trip showcased the students’ hands-on skills and ingenuity. The Upper School team even brought their own 3D printer along, allowing them to manufacture and adjust custom parts when the team felt adjustments needed to be made.

“This year’s tournament was probably one of my favorite competitions during my time at MHA,” said Logen, an MHA senior student. “This year we dug deep into our design and were able to 3D print most of our parts. Plus, it was a fun group that enjoyed being a team together.”

Beyond the matches, the journey was a celebration of the broader robotics community. Between the engineering rounds, students spent their time meeting fellow builders, reconnecting with old friends, and enjoying a well-earned team day at SeaWorld.

These experiences highlight why MHA views robotics and STEM classes as essential for building lasting connections. At MHA, the process of taking an idea from the initial sketch to a finished, working machine requires a unique level of teamwork. By seeing a project through to completion, students learn to communicate through technical hurdles and find success in solving complex problems together.

This culture of curiosity starts early at MHA. From Lego Clubs in the Lower School to the competitive teams in the Middle and Upper Schools, MHA ensures that the joy of learning is fostered at every grade level. Jessica Gleason, MHA vice principal, oversees the Lower and Middle School robotics teams. She emphasizes that these programs are about developing students’ character rather than just technical skills.

“Robotics is a critical gateway for future generations because it teaches resilience and adaptive thinking,” says Gleason. “When a student builds a robot, they aren’t just learning to code; they are learning how to face a problem that doesn’t have an immediate answer and persevere until they find one. By fostering this interest at a young age, we are giving our students the confidence to be the innovators and ethical leaders of tomorrow’s workforce.”

While the Upper School robotics season is wrapping up for the school year, MHA is already hard at work planning for its next Middle School competition. The event will be held at MHA on February 7, 2027, with registration opening in late Summer 2026. For those interested in building a team or have any questions about the tournament, please contact Mrs. Gleason at [email protected].

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos supplied.