Two years ago, three science teachers created a joint robotics team known as the Cobra Dawgs. The team’s name blends school identities, combining the mascots of Lee Early College (LEC), the Cobras, and Bragg Street Academy, the Bulldogs.
Today, a team of 15 middle and high school students advanced through the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), competing in two qualifier events across North Carolina and earning a spot at the state competition, an honor shared by only 36 teams. Gear by gear, their rapid rise reflects innovation, teamwork and a relentless drive to improve.
Building a Technical Powerhouse
John Weir, a science teacher at Bragg Street Academy, previously established FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge teams in Missouri and Las Vegas. After arriving in Lee County, he asked Bragg Street Academy Principal Dr. Shannon Shuey if he could start a team, and she supported the idea.
Because of the small student populations at LEC and Bragg Street Academy, Shuey proposed forming a joint team to ensure enough members to thrive. Brett Tyler, a computer science teacher at Bragg Street Academy, was later brought in to assist with programming and technical development. Jessica Maldonado, a science teacher at LEC, joined to support logistics, fundraising, and transportation to events. Together, they have built a framework for student success.
Shifting Into High Gear: Competition Season
In February, the robotics team finished its second FIRST Tech Challenge season in fourth place, earning a spot in the state competition. During qualifiers at Ascend Leadership Academy, the team also received the Innovate Award from RTX, which recognizes exceptional creativity, ingenuity and design.
To prepare, students built, programmed and tested their robots through months of after-school work from September to January. Competitions last a full day, though each team competes in five matches before scores are tallied and the top teams advance. Finalists form alliances and compete head-to-head until one winning alliance remains. The Cobra Dawgs advanced to the state competition at North Carolina A&T State University, gaining valuable experience competing against some of the top teams in the state.
The Road Ahead: Worlds and Beyond
Now that the season has concluded, the team is already focused on what’s next. With the continued backing of sponsors Central Electric, Mertek Solutions, Operation Heroes, and American Legion Post 245, these students are expanding their skills and preparing for new challenges.
Thanks to this strong community foundation, the Cobra Dawgs are well on their way toward their goals for the upcoming year. They continue to showcase their work at school events, such as STEM Night at Broadway and W.B. Wicker Elementary schools, as well as at local community events, inspiring the next generation of engineers.
As the Cobra Dawgs look toward their next chapter, they welcome new partnerships that help these talented students continue to grow, innovate, and succeed. For more information on how to support the team’s journey, please contact Dillon Crockett at dcrockett@lee.k12.nc.us.
Submitted by Avery M. Tart
Lee Early College Class of 2024
B.A. English Candidate North Carolina State University, Class of 2026