The Curtis Robotics team returned to New Jersey to compete again in the SeaPerch Regionals, an aquatic-based pool challenge. The Robotics team was packed with new recruits eager to win first place. Additionally, the team was joined by six JROTC members and NJROTC instructor Mr. Borbely. On March 29th, 2025, at 7:45, the group set out for Neptune High School, with their three robots in tow. They arrived at 8:45, and rushed to complete the compliance and buoyancy check of their robots. After passing the check-in, all that was left to do was wait.

The aquatic challenge has  two parts: first, the obstacle course, a series of hoops for the robots to go through, and second, the mission course, which was packed with various underwater-themed objectives. The competition allows for only two students to pilot the robot, and deciding who to send into the field proved to be a challenge. In the end, the first duo to compete would be senior Jose Torres and junior Rey Castillo. Senior Noor Syar, freshman Michael Porter, Liliany Castro, Maria Ramos, and Nicholas Ramos Pineda were the other members tasked with driving for the challenges. ROTC students Jamiah Dillon and Maksyum Kuretchenko also entered their own robot. In the end, after spending the day at Neptune, the team went home with second place in the Open class, and third place out of all 28 high schools in attendance.

While they did not win first place, this year’s performance is far better than last year’s. The support from all the new recruits, as well as the ROTC team, kept spirits high, and the team ready for anything. Club supervisor and marine science teacher Mr. Scheffler felt extremely proud of the team’s performance. “I expected the kids to be creative and to do more than we did last year. I expected camaraderie, teamwork, and commitment, all of which the students achieved and surpassed,” he expressed. As for the future of the team, he said, “I expect that Curtis alumni will come back and donate their time and expertise. We’ll get more time in the pool, or at least get the pool available to us earlier. I want the team to get even more creative with the designs, to get first place, and to go to nationals.”