The Jamaica College (JC) Robotics Team made waves at the South Florida FIRST LEGO League Regional Championship held on January 18, 2025, at Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens. Competing against 39 other top teams, JC was the only team from Jamaica at the event and proudly represented their country on an international stage.
The competition was part of the 2024-2025 FIRST LEGO League’s SUBMERGED season, which challenges young innovators to explore oceanic mysteries and create innovative solutions using LEGO technology. JC’s team, Perfect Image of Lego Elites (Team P.I.L.E.), showcased remarkable skill, teamwork, and creativity, earning them the Best Recovery Award.
The team faced significant challenges leading up to the competition, particularly with the parts for their robots that were shipped from Jamaica. Some components were damaged during the flight, forcing the team to quickly fix, replace, and reassemble their robot upon arrival. Their ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles was a testament to their resilience and problem-solving skills.
“I’m quite proud of the team and their performance. Despite the fact that they were unable to qualify for the state championships, they did their absolute best and made the school proud,” said Zachary Ranglin, Head Coach for the Jamaica College Robotics Team told Jamaicans.com.
Faculty Advisor Praises Team’s Resilience
“The boys won the ‘Best Recovery Award.’ This award was solely because of their resilience. Their robot was dismantled in pieces because of poor handling of the luggage at the airport. The boys had to rebuild the robot when they got in that same night and reprogrammed it. The judges were quite impressed with their performance. They also got the highest score for their presentation,” said Faculty Advisor Mrs. Kimberley Ormsby.
The journey to the championship began at the South Florida FIRST LEGO League Qualifiers held on January 12, where JC’s performance secured their place in the regional finals. Team members Akai Hamilton, Jordan Thomas, Ashannafi Rowe, Joshua Martin, and Gordon Garrison worked tirelessly under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Kimberley Ormsby, and parent mentor, Mr. Vivian Gordon.
Innovation and Excellence Recognized
As the only Jamaican team ever to participate in this competition, JC’s achievement is a testament to their dedication and passion for STEM. The Best Recovery Award highlights their creative approach to solving the season’s challenges, reflecting the team’s ability to think outside the box and collaborate effectively.
The event was supported by organizations such as the Cox Science Center and Aquarium and Florida Power & Light Company. These sponsors, along with the FIRST LEGO League’s global mission, aim to inspire young minds and prepare them for future STEM careers.
Looking Ahead
Jamaica College’s robotics program continues to be a beacon of excellence, inspiring young Jamaicans to embrace STEM education and compete on the world stage. With their success at the regional championship, Team P.I.L.E. has set a high standard and paved the way for future Jamaican teams to follow.
Photos – Carlos Spaulding