Northampton Robotics team earns First Class rating from VHSL

Northampton High School’s robotics team, The Shorebots (FRC Team 1908), has earned a “FIRST CLASS” rating from the Virginia High School League (VHSL), placing the program among the top robotics teams evaluated statewide. VHSL reviews portfolios submitted by robotics programs each year, assessing their application of STEM principles and the depth of their exploration in science and technology fields. Robotics is recognized by VHSL as an academic activity on par with traditional athletic competition.

The Shorebots submitted their portfolio in May, which was evaluated by a committee selected for its robotics knowledge and industry experience. VHSL does not divide robotics programs by school size, making the “FIRST CLASS” designation a reflection of the team’s overall excellence and commitment.

Throughout the school year, The Shorebots participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), an international STEM program in which students design, build, and program industrial-scale robots to complete a complex field challenge under strict rules and tight deadlines. FRC emphasizes much more than robot performance, encouraging students to engage the community, develop engineering and workforce skills, collaborate with professional mentors, and pursue scholarship opportunities. The program began at Northampton in 2006 and included seven students during the 2025 season.

The Shorebots receive support from Northampton County Public Schools, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Northampton County, Rommel’s ACE Hardware, the Gene Haas Foundation, Eastern Shore Signs, ShopBot/Bill Young, and the Northampton County Education Foundation.