Authored by: SFC (R) Tonia Jennings
Photos by:
On 28-30 April 2024 – Tafuna High School’s JROTC Toa Robotics teams achieved remarkable success at the 2024 JROTC National Championship during the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas bringing home multiple prestigious awards. Over three days of intense competition at the Kay Convention Center 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, 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 could not attend the championships in Dallas but was an integral part of the team’s success in their qualification for 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 at the VEX Robotics Worlds Championship in Dallas, Texas. With 68 teams in each of the ‘Opportunity’ and ‘Research’ JROTC Divisions and only 11 judged awards per division, these achievements are a testament to the teams’ hard work and ingenuity.
The cadets started their journey at VEX Worlds 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.
Numerous sponsors and advocates supported the teams’ journey to the championship and many special thanks and gratitude to them for their advocacy and pushing STEAM in the territory through their support of the THS JROTC VEX Robotics teams. 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 JROTC Department thanks Principal Tutuila Togilau for her outstanding leadership, guidance, and support to the students and the JROTC program.
Special thanks to 8th Brigade Mr. Gregory Stephens, Mr. Israel Martinez, and Mr. Mark Pratt for their support and dedication to the JROTC cadets of American Samoa during the VEX Robotics World Championship event. Your support made it possible for our cadets to do their best. Thank you