Writer & Photographer – MAJ Siimoa Galoia
The Tafuna High School Army JROTC program in American Samoa has once again proven its commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership by making history at two inaugural 8th Brigade competitions in February 2025. The cadets showcased their skills, teamwork, and determination, securing back-to-back championships in both the VEX Robotics Competition in San Diego, CA, and the Aerial Drone Competition in Reno, NV. These victories highlight the program’s dedication to fostering well-rounded cadets who excel not only in leadership but also in cutting-edge technology and STEM disciplines.
Dominating the VEX Robotics Competition
On February 1, 2025, Team 21111A – Toa Robotics from Tafuna High School made waves at the inaugural 8th Brigade VEX Robotics Competition in San Diego, CA. The team walked away with two prestigious awards: the Excellence Award and the Tournament Champions Award, solidifying their place as one of the top robotics teams in the brigade.
The Excellence Award is the highest honor presented in the VEX Robotics Competition. It recognizes a team that demonstrates overall excellence in building a high-quality robotics program. To earn this award, Team 21111A excelled in multiple areas, including:
- Submitting a detailed and professional Engineering Notebook, which documented their design process, challenges, and solutions.
- Achieving high rankings in the Design Award, Qualification Matches, and Robot Skills categories.
- Delivering an outstanding team interview with the judges, showcasing their knowledge, teamwork, and passion for robotics.
- Maintaining exceptional team conduct throughout the competition, reflecting the core values of the JROTC program.
In addition to the Excellence Award, Team 21111A also secured the Tournament Champions Award, with their Alliance partner Team 42700E – Enigma from St Louis in Honolulu, HI. This award is presented to the two teams that form the winning alliance in the finals match. This victory underscored their ability to collaborate with other teams while demonstrating superior technical and strategic skills.
As a result of their outstanding performance, Team 21111A – Toa Robotics has qualified for a funded trip to the 2025 JROTC National Championship @ VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May. This prestigious event will bring together the best JROTC robotics teams from across the country, providing an opportunity for Tafuna’s cadets to compete on a national stage and further showcase their talents.
Soaring to Victory at the Aerial Drone Competition
Just weeks later, from February 21-22, 2025, the Tafuna High School Army JROTC program continued its winning streak at the inaugural 8th Brigade Aerial Drone Competition in Reno, NV. Team 96799B – Toa Drones II emerged as champions, showcasing their expertise in drone technology, precision flying, and mission execution. The Aerial Drone Competition challenged teams to demonstrate their ability to program and pilot drones through a series of complex tasks. Team 96799B – Toa Drones II excelled in every aspect, from their Teamwork performance, Skills performance, Interview, and Logbook. Their victory not only highlights their mastery of drone technology but also their ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
Fresh off their historic win, Team 96799B – Toa Drones II is gearing up for even greater challenges. Their championship victory has earned them a fully funded invitation to compete at two prestigious events:
- The 2025 JROTC Army Bowl – Aerial Drone Competition, scheduled for March 7-8 at Fort Moore, Georgia.
- The 2025 National JROTC All-Service Aerial Drone Championship, set to take place on April 4-5 in Batesville, Mississippi.
The National JROTC All-Service Aerial Drone Championship will feature top teams from all branches of the JROTC program, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force making it one of the most competitive events in the aerial drone circuit. This is a tremendous opportunity for Team 96799B – Toa Drones II to represent Tafuna High School and the Army JROTC program on a national level.
A Testament to Leadership and Innovation
These back-to-back championships are a testament to the Tafuna High School Army JROTC program’s commitment to developing cadets who are not only leaders but also innovators. By integrating STEM education with the core values of JROTC—leadership, citizenship, and teamwork—the program is preparing cadets for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The achievements of Team 21111A – Toa Robotics and Team 96799B – Toa Drones II reflect the hard work, dedication, and support of the cadets, their instructors, and the entire Tafuna High School community and the Tafuna HS Warrior Nation Staff. These victories are not just about winning competitions; they are about inspiring the next generation of leaders, engineers, and problem-solvers.
Looking Ahead
As the Tafuna High School Army JROTC program celebrates these historic wins, they are already setting their sights on future challenges. With their proven track record of excellence, there is no doubt that these cadets will continue to make their mark in JROTC, STEM, and beyond.
Congratulations to Team 21111A – Toa Robotics and Team 96799B – Toa Drones II on their incredible achievements! Your success is a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of the JROTC program.
Special Thanks
The Tafuna High School Principal and JROTC Instructors extend their heartfelt gratitude to the 8th Brigade Command Team, COL George Plys and CSM Keneti Pauulu, along with their dedicated staff—Mr. Mark Pratt, Mr. Israel Martinez, Mr. Gregory Stephens, Ms. Sharmane Rodriguez, Mr. Terry Byrd, and Mr. Antoine Hanes — for their unwavering support of our teams during these competitions. Your efforts have provided our cadets with invaluable experiences that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to gain. Thank you, 8th Brigade, for your commitment and partnership in shaping the future of our cadets!