REEFSCAPE, the 2025-2026 theme for FIRST Robotics FRC Teams, is an exploration of ocean reef ecosystems and building reef system sustainability. Aces High 176, the robotics team from Windsor Locks and Suffield High Schools, is in full force for the new season. This year the team initiated a mock competition, using scooters and cardboard field elements ,graciously put together by parents, to learn the intricacies of the game, develop strategy and collaborate on key areas of focus.
Students Katie Michael and Meghan Beach strategize how the robot will perform on the game field by engaging in a mock human-based competition.
The high school students, under the guidance of engineering and technical mentors, are designing, fabricating parts and assembling a robot that can be versatile on the field as it places “coral” on the reef and moves “algae” throughout the field space. The human player will have opportunities to feed coral to the robot, as well as throw algae into a net suspended in the middle of the field.
During the off-season, students learn how to operate the team’s various CNC machines and equipment. They prepare marketing materials and hone interview and presentation skills. The students also complete countless community service hours working with community organizations and sponsors. The students have created new civic organizations within their schools to not only advance STEM opportunities, but to bring in new students who want to be a part of a collective positive impact on society and the local community.
From January to March the students focus on the new game and develop a strategy to build an award-winning robot. They also work on capturing compelling photos and videos of the build season, including maintaining social media accounts, creating promotional materials, documenting team activities and developing the brand identity through consistent and professional design.
Each year the team commits to supporting the community in parallel to developing critical STEM skills. The team is hosting a blood drive on February 13, at Windsor Locks High School, from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. They are also conducting a non-perishable food drive in both school districts to fill up the food banks. Look for further information through the schools and on community forums. Teammates also actively collect bicycle helmets, bottle holders, baskets, horns and bikes to bring to displaced Ukrainian refugees living in the area. Items can be brought to WLHS. Their first competition is March 8 at Waterbury High School and can be seen on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and The Blue Alliance.
Aces High is a legacy team, starting in 1995; it boasts a long history of student achievement, providing a solid foundation for students to successfully pursue their college and employment goals. The record of success is made possible by the support of the mentors, the schools and sponsors. The team would like to thank their major sponsors ITW, Fabrica, Collins Aerospace, Bin 228 in Glastonbury, BAE Systems, Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund, Gene Haas Foundation, Precision Speed Products, SBS, Suffield Pizza, TW Metals, Titan USA, Suffield Knights of Columbus, 4-H, Suffield High School and Windsor Locks High School and the many other robotics teams for their partnership, support, and encouragement. The kids also want to say a big thank you to their families for their unending support and willingness to let them be part of this amazing program.