SSES Competes in the Off Season FIRST Robotics Competition in Albuquerque

The Competition

This past weekend, the SSES Phenoms robotics team participated in the FIRST Robotics off‑season competition in Albuquerque. Off‑season events play a vital role in preparing teams for the challenges of robot design, engineering, and teamwork. They give students a venue to test new design changes, experiment with added features, and provide the team’s “drivers” with valuable competitive experience to sharpen their skills.

A core value of the FIRST Robotics Competition is Gracious Professionalism, a cornerstone of the FRC program. Teams are encouraged to network, support one another, and share advice and assistance both in the pits and on the field. Although the competition is serious, the interactions among teams emphasize soft‑skill development—teamwork, problem‑solving, critical thinking, and communication. Winning matters to students, but how they achieve it is a defining part of Gracious Professionalism.

During the opening ceremony, Cindy Stong, SSES Governing Council President, shared an inspiring message: “Today is about more than just robots. Today is about building the future of FIRST Robotics Competition in New Mexico.” She continued: “Every thriving robotics community starts somewhere—with one event, one team, one mentor, one volunteer, one student who decides to take a chance. This event is another important step in growing FRC across our state. It's an opportunity to inspire new schools to start teams, connect experienced mentors with new programs, and show our community what's possible when students are given the chance to design, build, and compete.”

"This event was generously hosted by St. Pius High School in Albuquerque. Additional recognition was given to Project Y of Los Alamos for believing in students and investing in the future of STEM education in New Mexico."

“We would also like to recognize NM State Senator Nicole Tobiassen (Bernalillo County), who has consistently supported our New Mexico FRC teams.”

Interviews

During the competition, KOB‑4 captured robots in action and interviewed students from across the state—including two members of our own SSES Phenoms. Click for video.

interview