GSSM Robotics Teams Shine at South Carolina FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship

GSSM Robotics Teams Shine at South Carolina First Tech Challenge State Championship

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (Mar. 5, 2025) – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) robotics teams excelled at the South Carolina FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Championship, held at Dreher High School on Feb. 21-22.

GSSM’s Golden Dragons (Team 772) won the Inspire Award, recognizing them as the top GSSM-ranked FTC team in the state for 2024-25. This prestigious award highlights excellence in robot design, teamwork, and outreach. The Golden Dragons also competed as the second-ranked Alliance Team Captain, selecting Raptoria (Team 25068) as their playoff partner, mirroring their success at January’s Midlands Qualifier.

The Dragons/Raptoria alliance fought through five intense playoff matches to reach the finals. Raptoria’s robot, originally built in GSSM’s Robotics class by Rehden DuRant and Jaden Press, played a key role in their success.

Meanwhile, The Lobotomists (Team 327) advanced to the playoffs after significant improvements since the January qualifier. They won one match before elimination but earned the Connect Award for their outreach efforts, including partnerships with teams in Kazakhstan and Texas, founding the WOMP-SCI computer science club for girls, and creating a safe space for women in STEM.

Raptoria also secured a spot in a FIRST Tech Challenge Premier Event, a prestigious off-season competition series that offers high-level play opportunities. More details are available at www.firstinspires.org/ftc-premier-events.

“These young men and women blow me away with their energy and creativity.  It is truly an honor to work with them,” said Dr. Elaine Parshall, GSSM engineering instructor and robotics mentor.  

Beyond competition, GSSM’s robotics teams are dedicated STEM ambassadors, volunteering at schools, engaging in outreach events, and recently discussing a Hartsville STEM festival with the city council. Their commitment to inspiring young learners is a key factor in their success.

Notably, this marks GSSM’s first Inspire Award win since 2016. Ellie Stuckey (GSSM Class of 2016), captain of the last winning team, was the invited speaker for the 2025 State Championship, bringing history full circle.

“We are incredibly proud of our robotics teams and their outstanding achievements,” said Dr. Neval Erturk, GSSM vice president of academics. “Their success reflects their dedication, innovation, and impact both on and off the field. Dr. Parshall has been recognized as the 2025 STEM Teacher of the Year by the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS), a testament to the exceptional guidance and support behind our students' success. GSSM students are making a real difference across South Carolina through their outreach efforts, inspiring their peers to become the next generation of STEM leaders. We couldn’t be prouder of them.”

GSSM Robotics Team Members include:

• Golden Dragons (Team 772): Braeden Montroy (Captain), Gabe Howe, Griffin LaRue, Caroline Locklair, Vyom Madeyanda, Shivali Patel, Rishi Patel, Caroline Pringle, Sanjith Sunil, Breana VanAtter, Peyton Weidner. Click here to learn more about the Golden Dragons.
• The Lobotomists (Team 327): Lavanthi Narasimman, Jharna Patel, Jordyn Boulet, Niquee Agina, Phoenix Zhao, Sami Freeman, Miriam Morales, Reagan Mitton, Gianna Sparks, Neha Vakkaleri, Aishwarya Prabhakaran, Priya Raj, Cindy Qiu, Teagan Mann. Click here to learn more about The Lobotomists.
• Raptoria (Team 25068): Gabe Barahona Smith, Raymond Chen, Dalton Smith, Rehden DuRant, Wyatt Burton, John Kim, Anna Orlova. Click here to learn more about Raptoria and the robotics program.

For more information about GSSM, visit www.scgssm.org.