Alexandria, AL – Alexandria High School’s (AHS) robotics program has once again proven its excellence, with two teams qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. The competition, set to take place May 6-8, 2025, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, will feature over 800 VEX V5 teams from across the globe.
AHS Principal Derek Cobb expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments. “I just want to say that we are so very proud of the accomplishments of our AHS robotics teams. These students have had a great deal of success in robotics competitions for many years dating back to their years in elementary and middle school. Mrs. Ray does an outstanding job of organizing and leading these students. They represent Alexandria High School well, and we look forward to continued success as they prepare for the World Robotics competition in Dallas, Texas, in May.”
The two AHS robotics teams, Team 20605A and Team 20605B, have been competing in VEX V5 Robotics Competitions since October 2024, after beginning their robot-building process in July 2024. Throughout the season, they have participated in local tournaments, which typically host between 20-40 teams, and two VEX V5 Signature Events, where they faced competitors from all over the U.S.
Team 20605A made history by winning Auburn’s SCORE Showdown Signature Event in February 2025, marking the first time a robotics team from Alabama has ever won a VEX V5 Signature Event. This victory earned them a spot at Worlds. Additionally, both Team A and Team B were Tournament Finalists at the Alabama State Tournament in Auburn, also qualifying them for Worlds. This marks Team A’s third appearance at Worlds and Team B’s first as VEX V5 teams.
Robotics team sponsor Kathy Ray highlighted the relentless effort these students have put in. “Throughout the season, both teams have had the motto of ‘Quality over Quantity.’ They continually strive to be the best. They put in endless hours of work designing, building, and programming their robots, in addition to keeping notes on everything they do. These notes become their Engineering Notebook, which has earned both teams numerous awards throughout the season.”
The students dedicate time during the school day, after school, on weekends, and even over holidays to perfect their robots. Many of them have been involved in robotics since elementary and middle school, a testament to the strong foundation laid by their early educators.
The teams have racked up impressive achievements this season:
Team 20605A (Davis Stone, Eldrin Sani, Brie Peavy)
- Auburn’s Spooky VEX on the Plains: Tournament Finalist
- HAUNTED @ SLOSS VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Event: Finished 8th in qualification matches
- City of Oxford November Tournament: Tournament Champion and Excellence Award
- SMS Robotics Competition: Tournament Champion, Excellence Award, and Robot Skills Champion
- City of Oxford January Tournament: Tournament Champion and Robot Skills Champion
- Phenix City’s V-EXstravaganza: Tournament Champion, Robot Skills Champion, and Judges Award
- Auburn’s SCORE Showdown Signature Event: Tournament Champion (World Qualifier) and Judges Award
- VEX V5 Event Region Championship-State Tournament: Ranked 4th in qualification matches; Tournament Finalist and Amaze Award (World Qualifier)
Team 20605B (Lane Webb, Bradyn Thacker, Dawson Stone, Avery Pair)
- City of Oxford November Tournament: Tournament Champion
- SMS Robotics Competition: Tournament Champion and Design Award
- City of Oxford January Tournament: Tournament Champion and Design Award
- VEX V5 Event Region Championship-State Tournament: Ranked 1st in qualification matches; Tournament Finalist (World Qualifier)
Before heading to Dallas, both teams will participate in the first annual Calhoun County Robotics Tournament at Oxford’s CREATE Center on April 11, 2025. This event will serve as a crucial test for their newly built robots, ensuring they are competition-ready for the fierce battles ahead at Worlds.
With their impressive track record, relentless dedication, and unwavering support from their school and community, Alexandria High School’s robotics teams are poised to make their mark on the global stage in May.
