Cape High JROTC journeys to robotics championship
Cape Henlopen High School JROTC cadets’ journey to the 2024 VEX World Robotics Championship in Dallas, Texas, was a story of perseverance, innovation and teamwork.
The dedicated students, mentors and the broader school community came together to achieve incredible success on an international stage, said JROTC instructor Sgt. Richard Hurt.
The 2024 VEX World Robotics Championship was a highly competitive event, drawing the best teams from around the globe. Cape High’s robotics team demonstrated exceptional skill and ingenuity, making it a standout competitor, Hurt said.
The team’s robots, meticulously designed and programmed, faced numerous challenges and opponents, showcasing their ability to think critically and solve complex problems under pressure, Hurt said. The hard work paid off as the team advanced through the rigorous rounds of competition, ultimately earning a commendable position among the world's top robotics teams.
This marked the first time Cape High JROTC students participated in the event, and their performance was nothing short of exceptional, Hurt said. Despite being newcomers, the team’s dedication, discipline and collaborative spirit propelled them to remarkable heights. Their enthusiasm and commitment were evident in every match they competed in, earning them admiration and respect from peers and judges alike.
The team’s determination and hard work culminated in their qualification for the national level of the competition. Making it to nationals is a significant achievement, especially for a team competing for the first time. This accomplishment not only highlights the talents and potential within the Junior ROTC program but also serves as an inspiration to other students, Hurt said, demonstrating that with dedication and teamwork, extraordinary goals can be achieved.
Cape High’s performance set a new benchmark for the JROTC robotics program, Hurt said, by instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in students and laying a strong foundation for future endeavors in STEM competitions.
