Alpha Academy robotics team defies expectations at National Championship

The Alpha Robotics team: Back row (l-r): Shai Hanna Taylor, Julianne Campbell, Anna-Lice Lennon, Gabrielle Riley, Kaylee McCarthy and Tishawnna McKain. Front row (l-r): Sashawnna Moncrieffe, Tadeena Thompson and Akeelah Henry.

On their own, without close coaching, the enterprising team from the Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha’ shone at the prestigious First Tech Challenge (FTC) Jamaica National Robotics Championship last month, excelling in innovation, teamwork, and STEM leadership on a national stage.

Team ‘Alpha’, underrated but undeterred, formed an alliance with the American International School in Kingston and surprised more favoured teams, losing only to Meadowbrook, which partnered with Wolmer’s Boys High School in the finals.

“It was a surprise even to us,” acknowledges team captain Julianne Campbell. “At the start of the season, we were fairly new to robotics. We had challenges along the way, so we set three goals: to be placed in the top 10, then the top 5, and finally, to win an award. On competition day, we still faced issues, but even with those, we saw our score improving after each round. Before we knew it, we were in the semi-finals, choosing a team for our alliance.”

Competing without a coach meant special preparation. “As a team without a coach,” Campbell continued, “we set goals at the start of each season and track our progress weekly. If we hit a difficult problem, we reach out to other schools. This season, for example, we had mentorship from Team Circle of Wolmer’s Boys and assistance from Dunoon Tech.”

“The school is STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) focused,” says Principal Kali McMorris. “Our strong IT department has always been able to produce students who can code and design, so this was a natural progression. We intend for our students to lead the principled development of technology tools that will benefit our nation.”

The team of seven engineers and two programmers is already looking ahead. “My aim for the club,” says Campbell, “is not only to teach the next generation of robotics enthusiasts but also to give our team the chance to compete on the Championship stage after passing the Regional stage in Jamaica. I also want the team to aim higher for awards like Inspire.” The coveted Inspire Award recognizes not just excellence in designing and building a robot but also sharing experiences with other teams and the community.

The team receives steady support from the Alpha Alumnae Florida Chapter, whose fundraiser Beyond the Stars will take place on Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at Club 19, the South Florida Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racquet Club. The event aims to prioritize STEM initiatives and support other academic and extracurricular programs at the school.

“This achievement by the robotics team is more than a trophy,” says Kerry-Ann Brown, president of the Chapter. “It is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are equipped with opportunity, resources, and unwavering support.”