Hunter RoHawks 3419 Earn Engineering Excellence and World Championship Berth at NYC Regional Competition

The Hunter College High School Robotics Team 3419, the Hunter RoHawks, delivered an outstanding performance this past weekend at the FIRST Robotics NYC Regional Competition, advancing through a highly competitive field of 51 teams and securing a place on the world stage.

Entering the playoffs ranked 6th overall, the RoHawks demonstrated exceptional consistency and strategic execution throughout the event. The team ultimately advanced to the finals as the captain of the 4th Alliance, concluding the competition with a strong 4–3–0 record and establishing themselves as one of the region’s top-performing teams.

A major highlight of the weekend was the team’s receipt of the 2026 FIRST Excellence in Engineering Award, recognizing superior robot design, innovation, and technical execution. In combination with their competitive success, this award earned the RoHawks an invitation to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, scheduled for April 29 through May 2, where they will compete against approximately 600 of the top teams from around the globe at the FIRST Robotics World Championship.

Individual and team contributions played a critical role in the RoHawks’ success. Co-captains, seniors Sophie R. and Alice W., led the team with focus and resilience, while sophomore robot driver Mustaqim T. delivered a strong in-match performance under pressure. Our human player, junior Ethan Y. contributed valuable scoring support, and the scouting team led by senior Brian W. and junior Jack L. was instrumental in alliance selection strategy and match preparation.

In a historic milestone for the program, HCHS student Maddie B., serving as RoHawks media lead and pit crew member, was awarded the NYC FIRST Leadership Award. This individual honor recognizes exceptional 10th- and 11th-grade students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication, and meaningful impact within their FIRST Robotics teams.

The team’s success was made possible through the guidance of advisor Ms. Ong Ante and AllianceBernstein mentor Adam Salem. Additional support was provided by RoHawks alumni mentors Matt Wong (‘11), Willie Ha (‘13), Axel Feldman (‘15), (with a special visit from alum Stefan Colton (‘15) at the NYC regional), whose continued involvement reflects the strength of the program’s alumni network.

HCHS Director Lisa Siegmann also extended long-standing appreciation for the continued support of the PTA, the HCHSAA, and AllianceBernstein, whose contributions have sustained and strengthened this flagship STEM initiative over the past 15 years.

With momentum building and a ticket secured to Houston, the RoHawks now turn their attention to the FIRST Robotics World Championship, where they will represent Hunter College High School on one of the largest competitive robotics stages in the world.

Watch the RoHawks 3419 take the stage to accept the 2026 FIRST Excellence in Engineering Award here!