Ramona Convent’s All-Girls Robotics Team Makes “HERSTORY”

For the first time in Ramona Rampage Robotics “herstory,” the team earned the Creativity Award at the Los Angeles Regional FIRST Robotics Competition! Before the winner of the award was announced, judges shared “The Creativity Award sponsored by Rockwell Automation celebrates creativity that enhances strategy of play and was intentionally designed and not discovered.

In the world of varsity robotics, one team grabbed their problem by the ropes. Who needs more motors or programmers? These queens of the jungle let their creativity roar! Congratulations Team 1159!” Judges were impressed with how rope was incorporated into the coral intake mechanism. Ramona Rampage mentors Vincent Yip and Ramona Alumna, Catherine Yip ’13 developed the ingenious idea that students were able to carry out. The team’s respect and kindness for others was also recognized by one of the judges. They received pins to commemorate their gracious professionalism!

Congratulations to Iana L. ’26 who was invited to sing the National Anthem before the competition. She was asked to audition during set up and had just a bit of time to rehearse before taking the stadium floor to share her beautiful voice (and Chamber Singer skills) with competitors and fans. Click here to watch the video on Instagram.

During the LA Regional Competition, the girls successfully placed up to Level 3 “coral” (a very difficult task). Ramona Rampage scored 40 points within one qualification match. Additionally, their arm extension, which also used the rope technique, allowed multiple “algae” to be knocked out of the reef! This allowed for their alliance’s “corals” to be accounted for. The drive team also showed off their defense skills during qualification matches. Each team member confidently explained the mechanisms to the judges, showcasing their impressive presentation skills. The Ramona Convent community is immensely proud of their tenacity and gracious professionalism demonstrated throughout the season.

Ms. Bailee Valenzuela, Robotics Moderator, expressed her gratitude when she shared “thank you to everyone who attended the competition. Support within secondary education communities allow STEM advancements to occur. Additionally, thank you to all of the mentors that worked tirelessly during the past three months. Mr. Vincent Yip, Miss Catherine Yip ’13, Mrs. Lenora Caldera ’96, Mrs. Aulikki Flagan, and Mr. Andrew Ferguson have put so much time and energy into Ramona Rampage. Their support and dedication is invaluable.”

FUN FACT: There was a professional film crew present throughout the competition that had eyes (and cameras) on Ramona Rampage. Be on the lookout for the team on CBS’s Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove!

Ramona, celebrating a legacy of 135 years of distinction, is a welcoming Catholic college-prep high school for young women committed to excellence in education. Graduates are empowered, resilient, socially conscious leaders prepared to meet the challenges of life as contributive members of the global community.

Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Rd., Alhambra, CA 91803, (626) 282-4151 or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.