Shawsheen Tech’s Robo Raiders Earn Judges Award at VEX State Championship

Below is a press release from the Shawsheen Tech:

BILLERICA, MA — Shawsheen Valley Technical High School proudly sent teams from its robotics club to compete at the Massachusetts VEX V5 High School State Championship on February 22nd and 23rd at Walsh Middle School in Framingham, MA. Among them, Team D—self-named the “Robo Raiders”—stood out for their resilience, skill, and teamwork, earning the prestigious Judges Award, an honor a Shawsheen team has not received in a decade.

The Robo Raiders—a trio of juniors, Nicholas DiPietropolo, Jacob Halas, and Aidan Shanahan—demonstrated remarkable determination throughout the competition. While many teams had been preparing since summer, Shawsheen’s club began in late September, making their performance all the more impressive. Despite the shorter preparation time, they secured six wins and four losses, proving they could compete with top-tier opponents. Their success was a testament to their engineering ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and the strong technical foundation they developed at Shawsheen.

Unlike most VEX high school teams, which typically consist of four members handling distinct roles, the Robo Raiders functioned as a three-person team, dividing responsibilities among themselves: Nick DiPietropolo served as builder and programmer, Aidan Shanahan took on the roles of driver and notebook keeper, and Jacob Halas contributed as a co-builder alongside Nick.

Despite facing significant hurdles, including limited development time and stiff competition from veteran teams, they persevered—continuously refining their strategies throughout the season. Their robot featured a mechanum drive, allowing it to strafe left and right without turning—an advanced design element that set them apart from other competitors.

Coach Collin Powers, a 2020 alumnus of Shawsheen’s Engineering program, likened the team’s competition journey to climbing a mountain.

“D Team had the chance to upgrade their robot before the state competition, allowing them to stand toe-to-toe with the best, but time constraints prevented them from fully implementing changes,” Powers explained. “Despite that, they took on every challenge head-on, constantly upgrading between matches and causing some of the biggest upsets I’ve seen at States during my tenure.”

One of their most notable moments was a near-upset against the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams, where they lost by just two points—a testament to Aidan’s driving skills and the team’s strategic play. Their perseverance and teamwork ultimately earned them the Judges Award, which recognizes teams that display special attributes such as exemplary effort, perseverance, teamwork, and professionalism.

The team credits their success to their coach and the hands-on experience gained through Shawsheen’s technical education program.

“Students involved in VEX robotics teams not only deepen their understanding of concepts across the STEM domains—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,” said Vocational Director David Norkiewicz, “but also engage in essential skills through collaboration with various groups during competitions. They develop critical engineering competencies such as computational thinking and troubleshooting, which enable them to identify and solve problems effectively.”

Coach Powers reinforced this, emphasizing that their ability to adapt and troubleshoot under pressure stems directly from their CTE background.

As the season concludes, the Robo Raiders reflect on their experience with immense pride. Though they must now dismantle their robot, the team is already looking ahead to the next season, eager to apply everything they’ve learned.

With a strong technical foundation and valuable competition experience, Shawsheen’s Robo Raiders are determined to return next year stronger than ever, with their sights set on competing on the world stage.

About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District

Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, placing students at the center of its mission. Proudly serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, Shawsheen caters to the diverse needs of over 1,300 students in grades 9-12.

Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, Shawsheen seamlessly integrates academics with a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways. Located in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shawsheen’s expansive 100-acre campus hosts an exceptional school building adorned with high-end and industry relevant equipment, athletic fields, twenty-four varsity sports, and a plethora of extra-curricular clubs and activities.

With a passionate faculty and staff, Shawsheen remains committed to its mission: “to provide a positive learning experience in a safe educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world.”

Beyond its traditional academic offerings, Shawsheen Valley Technical School extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs. The district continually strives to expand its rich and diverse programming, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process with numerous paths leading to a successful and fulfilling life.