Founded in 2006, Westwood Robotics, known as “The Wolverines,” is a vibrant high school team consisting of around thirty passionate members and three dedicated mentors. Their recent achievement of winning the FIRST Impact Award at the FRC University of Rhode Island District Event marks a remarkable milestone in their journey, symbolizing their profound impact on the community through STEM education.
The Highlights of the Wolverines’ Journey
The Wolverines competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), a unique challenge where high school teams worldwide design and fabricate robots to tackle specific objectives. However, their commitment goes beyond mere robotic construction. They have embraced FIRST’s mission to inspire respect and enthusiasm for science and technology.
Their victory wasn’t solely due to their technical prowess. Impressively, it’s their community engagement that stood out. The team excels in outreach, creating curriculum, and recruiting females into the STEM field. Their mascot epitomizes their impact—a force as powerful as a pack of wolverines.
The Creative Sparks that Fuel Leadership
What set “The Wolverines” apart? Their awards presentation team, consisting of Claire Peng, Landon Bayer, and Elizabeth Lowney, embarked on a remarkable journey to secure the coveted award. Their presentation was not only comprehensive but deeply inspiring. Quoting their mentor, Steve Harrington, they embraced the philosophy: “STEM education makes better robots; STEAM education makes better humans.”
The team integrated the arts, demonstrating how creativity and technical expertise synergize to create well-rounded leaders. Their initiatives, such as organizing FIRST Lego League teams and town-wide robot demonstrations, have nurtured artistic-thinking problem-solvers.
Historical Triumph and Commitment to Excellence
The 2025 triumph wasn’t their first; the Wolverines previously bagged the FIRST Impact Award at the 2024 Worcester Polytechnic Institute District Event. This continued success has propelled them to new heights, with every team member contributing significantly to their victories.
The journey of the Wolverines is a team-wide effort, showcasing their dedication to inspiring, innovating, and giving back. As a student-run initiative, led by Technical Captain Landon Bayer and Business Captain Claire Peng, their mission is fervently supported by mentors like Chris Aloisio and Steven Harrington.
The Wolverines stand out as a role model for aspiring robotics teams. Their ongoing journey of excellence serves as an exemplary tale of how dedication, creativity, and teamwork continually shape the future of STEM leadership.
As stated in Hometown Weekly, this is a story of inspiration and triumph that reflects a bright future for the next generation of STEM leaders.