Tucson High Robotics Team Heads to State Competition

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 14:19 GMT by Arizona Daily Star
      Locales: Arizona, UNITED STATES

Tucson High Magnet School Robotics Team Gears Up for State Competition - A Story of Dedication, Innovation, and Community Support

TUCSON, AZ - The Thunderbots, Tucson High Magnet School's esteemed robotics team, are charging full steam ahead to the Arizona State Robotics Competition after a hard-fought victory at the recent regional qualifier. This marks a significant achievement for the team, representing their first qualification for the state championship in several years. The victory isn't just about winning; it's a powerful demonstration of student dedication, problem-solving skills, and the vital role of STEM education in preparing the next generation of innovators.

The regional competition, held last weekend, saw the Thunderbots outmaneuver and outperform numerous other high school teams from across Southern Arizona. The challenge involved designing, building, and programming a robot to complete a series of complex tasks within a set timeframe. The Thunderbots' robot, a testament to months of tireless effort, consistently delivered strong performance, ultimately securing their spot at the state level.

However, the journey to state wasn't without its hurdles. According to David Stitt, the team's dedicated mentor, the Thunderbots faced significant challenges, including ongoing fundraising efforts and frustrating parts shortages - a common issue affecting STEM programs nationwide. Supply chain disruptions and the increasing cost of materials have created significant obstacles for many school robotics teams, forcing students to become resourceful and innovative in sourcing components.

"It's a culmination of a lot of effort and dedication from the students," Stitt explained. "They've really had to learn to work with limitations and find creative solutions. This isn't just about building a robot; it's about learning resilience and problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives."

The team dedicates countless hours after school and on weekends to the project, balancing their robotics commitments with academic responsibilities and personal lives. This commitment highlights not only their passion for STEM fields but also their ability to manage time effectively and prioritize goals. Beyond the technical skills gained, the Thunderbots are learning essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.

"They are incredibly dedicated," Stitt emphasized. "They are not only building a robot, but also learning how to work as a team. They have diverse skill sets - some are strong in coding, others in mechanical design, and still others excel at strategy and problem-solving. Learning to leverage those different strengths is crucial to their success."

The impact of robotics programs like the Thunderbots extends far beyond the competition arena. These programs foster an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) - fields critical to the future economic growth and global competitiveness of the United States. By engaging students in hands-on learning experiences, robotics teams inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the team fosters important soft skills that are highly valued by employers.

Now, the Thunderbots are looking ahead to the state competition and preparing for an even greater challenge. However, they need the support of the Tucson community to make their dream a reality. Travel expenses, competition fees, and the cost of replacement parts are significant, and the team is actively seeking donations to help offset these costs.

The team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary funds. "Every dollar helps us get closer to our goal," says a team spokesperson. "We're incredibly grateful for any contribution, big or small."

Those interested in supporting the Thunderbots can donate directly through their GoFundMe page: [ gofundme.com/f/tucson-high-magnet-robotics ]. Community members can also follow the team's progress and learn more about their activities on the Tucson High Magnet School website and social media channels. The Thunderbots are not just building robots; they're building futures, and with the support of the Tucson community, they're poised to make a significant impact at the state competition and beyond.