Unearthing Potential: The REACH PYL FLL Robotics Program Inspires Student Innovation
Over the past four years, the REACH PYL FLL Robotics program has transformed the way students in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District approach learning, problem-solving, and teamwork. What began as an opportunity for students to explore robotics has grown into a vibrant program that cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills in young innovators.
Through hands-on experience with LEGO robotics, students gain much more than technical knowledge. They learn how to collaborate, communicate, and persevere in the face of challenges. Teams work together to design, build, and program robots, while also researching real-world problems and developing innovative solutions. The program nurtures a growth mindset, empowering students to see setbacks as opportunities for learning and breakthroughs.
This year’s theme, Unearthed, challenges teams to step into the shoes of archaeologists and address the unique problems they face in uncovering history. Our students are diving into this challenge with curiosity and imagination—exploring ways to protect fragile artifacts, improve excavation methods, and use technology to preserve cultural heritage for future generations. By combining robotics with research and design, students are bridging science, history, and innovation in ways that inspire new possibilities.
The impact has been profound. Alumni of the program emerge with greater confidence, stronger STEM foundations, and a vision for how they can shape the future. The REACH PYL FLL Robotics program continues to prove that when students are given the tools to innovate, they don’t just build robots—they build resilience, community, and hope for tomorrow.
Young innovators from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District made their mark at the FIRST Lego League Spring Showdown on May 3rd, 2025, with two REACH PYL teams capturing top honors among a competitive field of 40 robotics teams.
The F.I.R.E Sharks emerged as Spring Showdown Champions following an impressive display of technical skill, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Led by coaches, Heather Mulkey and David Hibbard, the team overcame significant obstacles—including a devastating code loss just days before competition—to place 5th in the Robot Game and claim 3rd in the high-pressure "On the Spot" Challenge, where they formed alliances with other teams to code missions within a one-hour timeframe.
"These students exemplify resilience," said Coach Mulkey, whose team had previously been recognized as "Rising Stars" after advancing to regionals in the fall. "Despite setbacks that would derail many competitors, they maintained their positivity and collaborative spirit. Their dedication and inclusive approach truly earned them this championship."
In what many observers called the weekend's most inspiring comeback, the Hero Hunting Techno Kids dominated the Robot Game competition, securing 1st place with the tournament's highest score. The achievement marked a triumphant reversal for the team coached by Ken Tam and Alfred Chang—the only REACH Foundation team from the fall season's six entrants that did not advance to the regionals.
"Rather than accepting defeat, our students transformed disappointment into determination," Coach Tam explained. The diverse team—drawing members from Fairmont Elementary, Woodsboro Elementary, Travis Ranch Elementary, and the Orange County School of Computer Science—demonstrated remarkable growth in both technical abilities and interpersonal skills throughout the competition's timed missions, technical interviews, and collaborative challenges.
The Spring Showdown, hosted at Don Bosco Technical Institute (Rosemead), tests competitors not only on robotics performance but also on core values central to the FIRST organization's mission. Teams face rigorous evaluation of their robot design strategy during technical interviews that assess both innovation and execution.
Gisele Nguyen, who leads the REACH Foundation's FIRST Lego League program with assistance from middle school and high school interns, has established a robotics pipeline that provides elementary and middle school students with critical exposure to engineering concepts, programming fundamentals, and problem-solving methodologies.
Parents and educators throughout the district praised the program for cultivating technological literacy alongside essential character development, with both championship teams exemplifying the transformative impact of STEAM-focused extracurricular opportunities on student growth and achievement.
The Foundation appreciates the support of Dr. Olivia Yaung, Mr. Eddie Tabata, Mr. Matt Callaway, Head Coaches: Mary Ahn, Heather Mulkey, Ken Tam, and Madura Shaligram and REACH Interns & Ambassadors from Kraemer, VHS & EHS: Jolie Yang, Shaurya Nagare, Samihan Shaligram, Avaneesh Nagare, Zoe Ahn, Aarav Patel and Jyllian Panyapinitnugoon.
Congratulations to the following team members for their participation in the Spring Showdown:
1) F.I.R.E. SHARKS: Abby Mulkey, Chloe Hibbard, Sophia Casillas, Katherin Pak, Jona Turin, Kensey Yoshida, and Nathan Keller from Travis Ranch & Fairmont.
2) Hero Hunting Techno Kids: Kyle Chang, Rustin Limoochi, Coen Olson, Layla Pham, Matthew Tam, River Yeh, and Ryder Yeh from Fairmont, Woodsboro, Travis Ranch, and Orange County School of Computer Science.
3) Robotics Chicken: Zane Ahn, Raaghav Deoghare, Derek Luu, Max Mills, Matthias Cheung, Bentley Masters, Jonathan Cherdsuriya and Jordan Armand from Kraemer, Golden and Woodsboro.
The FIRST Lego League is an international competition that challenges elementary and middle school students to think like scientists and engineers while developing solutions to real-world problems.
For students in 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade, the fall season will begin the week of Aug. 6th.
Sign up for the Spring Showdown below.
William Butler Yeatss
The Hero Hunting Techno Kids competed in the First Lego League (FLL) Spring Showdown 2025 competition this past Saturday and the team placed 1st in the Robot Game with a top score out of 39 teams! Over the past 2+ months, the team has been meeting at Travis Ranch along with other new and returning students to learn about robotics through the FLL Challenge Program administered by the REACH Foundation team led by Ms. Gisele Nguyen and the REACH MS & HS Interns. The team competed in three rounds of timed missions, robot design and core value interviews, and worked collaboratively with other competing teams to code an "on the spot" challenge. The team was coached by Mr. Ken Tam and Mr. Alfred Chang.
The 1st place finish is especially meaningful for the students of the Hero Hunting Techno Kids as they were the only team fielded by the REACH Foundation that did not advance to the qualifying round during this past fall season competition. Instead of giving up, the team came back stronger, fueled by passion, persistence, and teamwork. The team roster included Kyle Chang, Rustin Limoochi, Coen Olson, Layla Pham, Matthew Tam, River Yeh, and Ryder Yeh.
The students hail from Fairmont Elementary, Woodsboro Elementary, Travis Ranch Elementary, and Orange County School of Computer Science.
"I am so proud of the team for coming back from the adversity they experienced from the Fall Season. Instead of hanging their heads, the team came back together, learned from their mistakes, and grew together…not just as coders, mission strategists, and attachment builders—but as teammates, leaders, and problem-solvers.
While improving from our fall season was great, the true reward was seeing the team grow right before our eyes during the competition. I am so proud of the teams' accomplishments and look forward to what’s next in the Fall season! I also wanted to give a special Thank You to the REACH Foundation and Ms. Gisele Nguyen for her continued tireless efforts to support and bring the FLL program to PYLUSD." - Ken Tam
The REACH Foundation is proud to bring the First Lego League (FLL) Explore (grades 2-4) and Challenge (grades 4-8) Programs to PYL students. Since 2021, the foundation was partnered with educators, parents, and high school mentors to inspire young people to experiment and grow their confidence, critical thinking, and design skills through hands-on learning.
We are looking for passionate and dedicated Coaches and volunteers to help us carry out our mission and support our students. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering with FLL or the REACH Foundation.
The Woodsboro team and Fairmont Team closed a rookie season with a phenomenal performance at the FLL State Regionals on Saturday, December 2nd at California Baptist University in Riverside. We are thrilled to share an update on the exceptional performance of our PYL teams!
The Fairmont Pro-Kids team showcased their exceptional coding ability by achieving a high score of 310 points on the robot game, surpassing their Qualifier score by an impressive margin of 60 points. Overall, they placed 17th, in the top half with 39 teams competing. A tremendous achievement indeed! Congratulations to Zane Ahn, Tyler Pierson, Sophia Casillas, Nathan Keller, Sophia Li, Johnson Li, David Martinez, and their Coaches: Ms. Mary Ahn & Ms. Tina Thammasuckdi.
But the excitement doesn't end there—our Woodsboro Bee-Botics team not only raised the bar but soared above it with a phenomenal score of 370 points, placing 8th in this highly competitive State Regional tournament! Their dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit truly paid off.
In a moment of immense pride, we are delighted to announce that the Woodsboro team also clinched the prestigious "Rising All-Star Award" 🥇. This accolade is a testament to their outstanding commitment, innovation, and the remarkable journey they've undertaken as a team and with their dedicated Coaches: Mr. Ken Tam and Ms. Madhura Shaligram.
These accomplishments not only reflect the incredible talents of our students but also highlight the support and guidance they received from our Principals: Mrs. Anne San Roman, Mrs. Melanie Carmona; Vice Principal: Mr. Eddie Tabata, dedicated coaches, high school Interns/mentors, and our community sponsors: Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary, Placentia Rotary and the Gene Haas Foundation.
As we celebrate these victories, let's extend our heartfelt congratulations to both the Fairmont and Woodsboro teams. Their success is a shining example of what can be achieved through teamwork, perseverance, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Congrats to Allyson, Maya, Avaneesh, Eason, Samihan, Saanvi, and Naysa from the Woodsboro Be Team!
The Woodsboro Bee-Botics Team won the 1st Place Innovation Project Award and were ranked 3rd overall in the competition. The Fairmont ProKids Team received the 2nd Place Core Values Award. Both teams will be advancing to State Regionals. The Travis Ranch Trailblazers took home the Engineering Excellence Award.
The REACH Foundation is proud to sponsor three award-winning teams in 2023!
“We are so proud of our Woodsboro team for earning first place for their Innovation Project and 3rd place overall in the competition, which boasted 24 teams,” shared Woodsboro Principal Melanie Carmona.
A Woodsboro parent reflected on her son’s experience with FLL, noting: “During the last 11 weeks, he has learned how discipline, hard work, perseverance, and teamwork can bring success and we can not thank you enough for letting these kids learn these values by practicing those!”
Another Woodsboro parent commented, “They also kept their school work at high standards and additionally every one of the students have other extracurricular activities they participate in such as sports, etc. This is a true example of dedication and commitment.”
The Woodsboro Bee-Botics included students Saanvi Amrutiya, Eason Huang, Naysa Malik, Avanish Nangare, Maya Pittman, Samihan Shaligram, and Allyson Tam and they were coached by Mrs. Madhura Shaligram and Mr. Ken Tam.
The Fairmont ProKids Robotics included students Tyler Pierson, Sophia Casillas, David Martinez, Nathan Keller (Travis), Johnson Li (Travis), Sophia Li (Travis) and Zane Ahn (Linda Vista). They were coached by Mrs. Mary Ahn and Mrs. Tina Thammasuckdi.
We would like to thank the volunteer Travis Ranch Coaches: Mrs. Heather Mulkey and Mr. David Huizar and the Reach High School Interns: Leo Chi, Megan Wang, Angelo Messina, Jolie Yang, Aashna Patel and the FLL parents for their support.
The REACH Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Eddie Tabata, Assistant Principal at Travis Ranch, for his belief and advocacy for the FLL program. We would also like to thank Mrs. Anne San Roman, Principal at Fairmont, and Principal Melanie Carmona for their ongoing support. Their presence at the mock competition provided encouragement, invaluable feedback, and motivated the students!
Congratulations, PYLUSD teams!
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering with REACH Foundation.
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If you are a new student who is interested in participating in the 2025 Spring Showdown Season, click on the registration link below.
Through the support of our generous donors, the REACH Foundation is able to subsidize this program by offering special rates. Our deepest gratitude to our donors for giving us the opportunity to serve all students, especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities. Thank you.
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