Brainy Yaks Robotics Team Earns Spot in Top 100 at the 2025 FIRST World Championship

Cannon School’s Middle School Robotics Team, the Brainy Yaks, recently returned from the 2025 FIRST World Championship held in Houston, where they competed among the best teams globally. Out of more than 32,000 teams worldwide, the Brainy Yaks earned a prestigious spot in the Top 100, a remarkable achievement reflecting their skill, innovation, and dedication. 

The FIRST® Robotics Competition, one of the largest youth robotics events in the world, brought together over 50,000 participants and more than 1,000 robots from 66 countries for an intense and inspiring four-day competition. After advancing through a series of regional and district events, 601 teams earned the right to compete at the prestigious championship, where they faced off in rotating alliances to secure ranking points and advance to the final playoffs. 

The competition was a showcase of the brightest minds and most innovative solutions in youth robotics. The Brainy Yaks were among these top teams, demonstrating their ability to thrive under pressure and rise to the challenge of a global stage. 

“It’s an honor for our students to represent Cannon School at the FIRST World Championship, and to be recognized as one of the top 100 teams in the world is a testament to their hard work and perseverance,” said Dean of Innovation & Technology Leigh Northrup, who was also honored with one of only four Coach/Mentor Awards across the entire FIRST LEGO League for his leadership and guidance. 

The Brainy Yaks’ project this year was rooted in environmental stewardship, focusing on coral reef restoration. The theme for the 2025 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competition was “Submerged,” challenging teams to develop creative solutions for preserving and protecting the world’s oceans. The Brainy Yaks embraced this challenge, dedicating their efforts to solving one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet today: the degradation of coral reefs. 

Coral reefs, which support over 25% of marine species while covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, are facing critical threats from climate change, pollution, and human activity. As these ecosystems continue to deteriorate, they put at risk not only marine biodiversity but also the millions of people who rely on coral reefs for food and coastal protection. 

Working closely with marine biologists, the Brainy Yaks researched ways to protect young coral in nurseries. Through their studies, the team identified several challenges associated with traditional coral restoration methods, including the high maintenance required and the impact of biofouling on PVC-based structures. 

To address these challenges, the Brainy Yaks developed an innovative coral nursery design made from live rock substrates. This eco-friendly material offers enhanced durability, greater light penetration for optimal coral growth, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional restoration methods. Their solution is a testament to the creativity and technical expertise that the team applied in pursuit of a sustainable and impactful solution. 

The Brainy Yaks’ journey to the FIRST World Championship was the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. Their success not only reflects the remarkable achievements of Cannon School’s students but also underscores the power of robotics and STEM education in shaping the future of our world. The team’s efforts in coral reef restoration demonstrate how young minds can harness their technical skills to solve real-world problems, advancing environmental sustainability for generations to come. 

“We are incredibly proud of the Brainy Yaks for their achievements at the FIRST World Championship and for their commitment to using robotics for a greater good,” said Northrup. “The creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills they displayed during this competition will serve them well in the years to come, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make.”