THS JROTC VEX Robotics Teams triumph at National Championships

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tafuna High School's JROTC Toa Robotics teams achieved remarkable success at the 2024 JROTC National Championship during the VEX Robotics World Championship, bringing home multiple prestigious awards. Over three days of intense competition, the Toa Robotics and Toa Robotics 2.0 teams stood out among the participants, securing top honors in their respective JROTC Divisions.

The cadets who make up each team are as follows: Team 21111A - Team Captain c/LTC Isalei Liaiga, alongside members c/MAJ Francis Ah Vui, c/MAJ Ladenia Lavatai, c/CPT Filiga Tufa, i, and c/CPT Taipo Sia. Team 21111B - Team Captain c/LTC Charles Tauiliili with team members c/CPT Nicholle Sualevai, c/SSG Danny Young, c/SSG Joseph Spitzenberg and freshman c/PFC Emanuele Ah Vui. c/SSG Pemerika Tauiliili was unable to attend the championships in Dallas but he was an integral part of the team’s success in their qualification to the VEX Robotics Worlds Championship.

Team 21111A, known as Toa Robotics, continued their winning streak by clinching the Create Award for the National Championship for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Toa Robotics 2.0, or Team 21111B, showcased their skills by winning the Robot Skills Champion Award for the Live Remote Skills Event during their qualification matches before Worlds and the Judges Award National Championship. With 68 teams in each of the 'Opportunity' and 'Research' JROTC Divisions and only 11 awards per division, these achievements are a testament to the teams' hard work and ingenuity.

The cadets started their journey with an interview with Dan Mantz, CEO of the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, who was notably impressed by their qualifications and poise. The enthusiasm continued at the Opening Ceremony’s Parade of Nations, where the American Samoa delegation, dressed in matching elei uniforms, represented their territory with grace and pride.

Both teams engaged in several matches over the event's duration, with Team 21111A participating in 10 matches and Team 21111B in similar rigorous competitions. Despite not advancing to the elimination rounds, their performance was strong enough to earn significant recognition.

Team 21111A, known as Toa Robotics clinched the Create Award for the National Championship for the second consecutive year. Toa Robotics 2.0, or Team 21111B, showcased their skills by winning the Robot Skills Champion Award for the Live Remote Skills Event during their qualification matches. [courtesy photo]

Numerous sponsors and advocates supported the teams' journey to the championship: the 8th Brigade, US Army Cadet Command, funded travel, accommodation, and meals. The ASMSU DAI Office provided crucial logistics support with Robotics supplies. Additional funding from community sponsors, including ASTCA CEO Chuck Leota, McDonald’s, Quality Painting-Seigafo, Pioa Consulting, and Louise Kuaea, helped cover costs for uniforms, tools and supplies, and equipment necessary for the competition.

Significant contributions also came from the Department of Education. Director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli provided stipend support for all cadets and per diem for the instructors. Deputies Dr. Teresa Atuatasi, Dr. Roxanne Salavea, and Mr. Faafetai Teofilo, along with the Assistant Director for the Secondary Office, Dr. Dottie Tuisamatatele, were instrumental in their staunch support of STEAM initiatives, ensuring the best for our students and the journey to VEX Worlds.

Thank you to the Director of Manu’a Operations, Sualevai, for helping the teams with our luggage in Hawaii on our return home. We had over 30 pieces of baggage because we had our VEX Supplies and perimeter kit, as well as the new season’s gaming equipment, in addition to our personal bags. His support with his truck helped us get out and back into the airport quickly and efficiently. Thank you!

Special thanks are extended to the community and individuals who played pivotal roles in supporting the teams. Chaperones Luisa Kuaea and Faamasino Galoia were instrumental in managing logistics, ensuring the cadets were well-prepared and safe throughout their travels. Kim Hunter, a long-time friend of the program, supported the teams by attending the Parade of Nations and gifting authentic Dallas Cowboys gear and homemade treats, enhancing the students’ experience at the event.

Unending thanks and gratitude to the parents of these brilliant cadets, who allowed their students to practice before and after school and on weekends and holidays in preparation for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Their support has been invaluable in this journey. Also, thanks to the THS JROTC Instructors SFC Lei Solaita, MSG Acania Puletasi, and MAJ Siimoa Galoia, who served as the teams' coaches. They look forward to next year's Robotics challenge and will soon add Drones to their after-school extracurricular activities. Any incoming freshman attending Tafuna High School in the upcoming school year, THS encourages them to join the JROTC program and get involved with its drone and robotics programs.

As Tafuna High School Principal Tutuila stated, the success of the robotics teams reflects the strong community support and the leadership that prioritizes student development. The efforts of all involved underscore a community committed to excellence in STEAM education, embodying the belief that "with God, all things are possible." The THS JROTC Department thanks Principal Tutuila Togilau for her outstanding leadership, guidance, and support to the students and the JROTC program.

FA'AFETAI, FA'AFETAI TELE LAVA to everyone involved in making this monumental achievement possible. The Tafuna High School community looks forward to building on this success in future competitions.