Westview High School’s robotics team, Johnny 5, is charging into its debut season, proving that innovation and teamwork can go a long way. The team has quickly risen to 50th out of 154 teams, which is especially impressive given they are a first-year squad.
Guided by teacher Will Crawford, students dive headfirst into the exciting world of engineering, coding, and hands-on problem-solving.
Students are tasked by VEX Robotics with designing, building, and coding a robot that completes a set of challenges, pushing them to think critically and work as a team. Together, they brainstorm, design, and build their robot from scratch, working to create the fastest and most efficient robot possible. Once their bot is battle-ready, they battle head-to-head with other teams in qualifier rounds, before moving on to bracket style elimination rounds.
Crawford was quick to praise his team’s relentless spirit. “At our first competition, while other teams kicked back between trials, our students were constantly fine-tuning and upgrading their robot,” he said. “Their energy, determination, and sheer enthusiasm are amazing to watch.”
Crawford hopes to expand the program to include two teams, allowing for them to practice and spar against one another. “Students interested in the program do not need to have robotics or coding experience,” Crawford emphasized. “Before starting this team, none of our students had ever built or coded a robot. All you need is to be curious and willing to learn, we can teach you the rest.”
Beyond the nuts and bolts, the robotics program gives students the opportunity to gain essential life skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Team roles range from builder to coder to designer, but no one is left on the sidelines—everyone has a hand in bringing their robotic masterpiece to life. Due to competition rules declaring that all work must be student-led, students take full ownership of strategy, design, and execution.
Senior Jacob Dunphy, the team’s lead builder loves every part of the process, from assembling parts to testing, tweaking, and rebuilding. “Keeping up with trends and being willing to experiment is key in competition,” he explained. And his advice for interested students? “Don’t be afraid to try. If something doesn’t work, we just unscrew it and try again!”
Dunphy’s passion for robotics has determined his path after graduation: he’s now set on earning a degree in mechatronics engineering, one he might not have considered before joining the club. Before he graduates, he hopes to recruit more students to the team who want to learn and continue the upward growth of the program.
Principal Brian Allen couldn’t be more thrilled about the team’s success. “These students have gone above and beyond in their dedication to learning and improving,” he said. “Their hard work, creativity, and passion are truly inspiring, and it’s a privilege to watch them excel both in and outside the classroom. Their teamwork and drive make Westview proud!”
Johnny 5’s first season is just the beginning for Westview’s growing robotics program. The team’s drive shows that they are more than ready to tackle the challenges ahead using the lessons they’ve learned in teamwork and innovation, skills that will stick with them long after the competitions are over.
