Gulliver Robotics Makes History with FIRST Iowa Regional Championship Win

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Gulliver’s FIThree robotics competition robots are displayed on a gym floor behind blue “2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Regional Winner” banners, with black curtains in the background.RST Robotics Team, 5557 BB-R8ERS, has achieved a historic milestone, earning first place at the Iowa Regional competition. Competing against 53 teams from across the country, the team demonstrated resilience and determination, battling back from a 41st-place ranking to claim the championship in a dramatic final match decided by a single point.

A person stands in front of a blue FIRST Iowa backdrop holding a framed certificate labeled “Leadership Award.”.The victory was secured alongside alliance partners Teams 4646 and 3928, reflecting the collaboration and strategic teamwork that define the FIRST Robotics experience. Adding to the achievement, team member Logan Garcia ’27 was honored with the FIRST Leadership Award, recognizing his exceptional impact and leadership within the program.

This win marks the first FIRST Robotics Regional championship in Gulliver’s history – a moment years in the making. Mentors and alumni alike point to more than a decade of dedication, growth, and perseverance that laid the foundation for this breakthrough performance.

Beyond the competition, this achievement reflects what learning at Gulliver looks like at its best: students applying real-world skills, thinking critically under pressure, and rising to meet complex challenges with confidence. It is a powerful example of how students are prepared not only to compete, but to lead, innovate, and grow into what comes next.

As the team looks ahead to its next regional competition, the momentum continues to build. With the same focus, grit, and belief in one another that fueled this win, the BB-R8ERS are just getting started.

A person holds a blue banner that reads “FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Impact Award, 2026, South Florida Regional” in a shopping mall.Update April 2026: Building on their historic Iowa Regional win, Gulliver’s FIRST Robotics Team, 5557 BB-R8ERS, has continued its remarkable momentum. At the South Florida Regional, the team earned the prestigious FIRST Impact Award, the highest honor in FIRST Robotics, recognizing sustained excellence in STEM outreach, mentorship, and community impact.

Represented by Valentina Currarino Herrera ’26 and Logan Garcia ’27, the team’s presentation highlighted their commitment to expanding access to robotics and inspiring the next generation of innovators. This achievement secures their place at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, where they will compete on a global stage.

A person in a light blue shirt plays a cello with focus, using a bow, in an indoor setting with equipment and black curtains in the background.Adding to the moment, Marcus Tatar ’27 delivered a special performance of the National Anthem on cello, reflecting the depth of talent and spirit across the Gulliver community.

Athletic Center, Upper School Campus

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