The Southern Maine District Event was incredibly special, and not just because it was the first time hosting an FRC qualifier in this venue.
Falmouth High School hosted 30 teams from Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Jersey on March 1–2, 2025. For a smaller event, having teams from 5/6 NE states is amazing! The stands were still packed, and for good reason:
The entire district lost an incredible mentor when Clare Greenlaw passed away last year, and his impact was felt throughout every second of the event. From open to close, from everyone wearing red glasses, from a video that brought tears to everyone's eyes to the Outstanding Volunteer Award being presented in his memory...his life was celebrated and it was clear: Clare helped everyone.
On Saturday morning we heard from Rep. Dan Sayre, who was honored to share stories about Clare and confirmed how special the work he and his wife Meredith put into the STEM Coliseum in Portland has been for students of all ages in Maine. In his words:
"Clare liked to ask students: “head or hands” as a way to discern what modality of engagement worked best for them. He knew that everyone had an answer to that question, and it gave everyone a point of entry into this work.
Whether the answer is Head or Hands or Both, there is a place for everyone to dig in at the [STEM] Coliseum, and a pathway for getting better at whatever learners want to put their minds to.
It’s a world-class facility, and it’s right here in Maine, and we have it because of Clare and Meredith’s vision, commitment, and ability to make a bold vision a reality."
Thank you to all of our volunteers, including the event planning committee!
The high score of 193 in qualifications was scored during Match 2, setting a high bar early. The match was a preview, since it featured 2 out of 3 of the winning alliance teams, who later had a high score of 189 in playoffs together. Congratulations teams!
Congratulations to our award-winning teams:
FIRST Impact Award: FRC 6153, Blue Crew from Farmington, ME
Engineering Inspiration Award: FRC 166, Chop Shop from Merrimack, NH
Dean's List Semi-Finalists: Aamir S. from FRC 467, Center of Mass from Shrewsbury, MA and Claire G. from FRC 5422, Stormgears from Westford, MA
Outstanding Volunteer Award in memory of Clare Greenlaw: Sean Manning, Lead Robot Inspector
NE FIRST Granite State District Event Champions: FRC 6329, The Bucks' Wrath from Bucksport, ME;
FRC 190, Gompei and the HERD from Worcester, MA;
FRC 4564, Orange Chaos from Brewer, ME
NE FIRST Granite State District Event Finalists: FRC 166, Chop Shop from Merrimack, NH;
FRC 58, The Riot Crew from South Portland, ME;
FRC 6153, Blue Crew from Farmington, ME
Industrial Design Award sponsored by General Motors: FRC 190, Gompei and the HERD from Worcester, MA
Judges' Award: FRC 61, BVT Robotics from Upton, MA
Rising All-Star Award: 3314, Mechanical Mustangs from Clifton, NJ
Team Sustainability Award sponsored by Dow: FRC 1729, Team Inconceivable! from Peterborough, NH
Team Spirit Award: FRC 2648, Infinite Loop from Oakland, ME
Excellence in Engineering Award: FRC 172, Northern Force from Falmouth/Gorham, ME Gracious Professionalism Award: FRC 5422, Stormgears from Westford, MA
Creativity Award sponsored by Rockwell Automation: FRC 95, Grashoppers from White River Junction, VT
Quality Award: FRC 131, CHAOS from Manchester, NH
Innovation in Control Award sponsored by nVent: FRC 5687, The Outliers from Portland, ME
Autonomous Award sponsored by Ford: FRC 6329, The Bucks' Wrath from Bucksport, ME
Imagery Award in honor of Jack Kamen: FRC 238, Crusaders from Manchester, NH
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