A Big Day for CFI Robotics at FIRST LEGO League Qualifiers

CFI Robotics teams delivered an outstanding performance at the recent FIRST LEGO League qualifiers, earning seven awards and securing advancement to Sectionals for every team.

Award Highlights

Team 62345 – TerraBytes

• Champions Award

• Robot Performance Award

• Favorite Shirt Award

Team 66216 – Warrior Robotics Inc. (Morgan Park Academy)

• Core Values Award

• Coolest Robot Award

Team 66000 – Crazy Fast Impalas

• Rising All Star Award

These honors reflect months of hard work, iteration, and teamwork, from refining robot design and programming to strengthening collaboration and communication under pressure.

Celebrating Our Coaches and Mentors

A special congratulations goes to Coach Ren Li, who received the Mentor Award. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from student nominations. It is a powerful reminder that great coaching is built on trust, encouragement, and shared ownership of the journey. Awards like this only happen when every student feels seen and supported.

We also extend our deepest thanks to Coach Tim He, who did an extraordinary job leading all three teams this season. The preparation, dedication, and care he brings to students were evident every step of the way. Moments like these reflect the impact of thoughtful mentorship and consistent guidance.

Gratitude to Our Community

Most importantly, we celebrate our students. Their curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork earned every award on that stage. They showed resilience through challenges and confidence in their ideas, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines CFI Robotics.

Thank you as well to our parents and families for your constant support, encouragement, and trust throughout the season. Competitive robotics is truly a team effort that extends far beyond the competition floor.

We are also grateful to our volunteer mentors and subject-matter experts who met with teams and supported their Innovation Projects. Your expertise and time helped students think bigger and push their ideas further.

A special thank-you goes to CFI FIRST LEGO League alumnus Luke, who returned this season to mentor our teams. Seeing alumni give back to the program that helped shape their own journey is one of the most meaningful measures of long-term impact.

Looking Ahead

None of this success happens without a strong foundation. The Center for Future Innovators exists to create opportunities for students to grow, compete, and thrive through hands-on STEAM learning. This season’s achievements are a reflection of that mission in action.

We could not be prouder of our teams.

Sectionals, here we come!