We are thrilled to introduce our Robotics Competition team, the Georgia Cyber Academy Champions, Team #8577! It has been an incredible journey of success. Last year, our team not only showcased exceptional skill and teamwork but also made some remarkable memories along the way.

Our team attended several exciting events, starting with competitions at the University of West Georgia and Discovery High School in Gwinnett County. The highlight of our season? Bringing home our very first Blue Banner at Discovery High School for winning a competition! This victory not only marked a huge milestone for our team but also qualified us for the finals—a testament to the hard work and dedication of each team member.

The road to victory wasn’t without its challenges. We faced some last-minute technical issues with our robot just before the match, but our team remained determined and worked diligently to solve the problem. We were also incredibly grateful to receive support from other teams, which speaks to the spirit of “Gracious Professionalism”—one of the core values at FIRST Robotics events. This spirit of collaboration made the experience all the more meaningful, and with the help of our alliance partners, Team 1771 and Team 1261, we powered through to victory.

Winning at Discovery High School took us to the District Championship at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia—a grand event featuring the top 50 teams from across Georgia and South Carolina. This was our second time making it to the Championship, and while we didn’t bring home a win, we left with unforgettable experiences and a clear goal: to aim even higher next year.

Throughout the season, our students demonstrated technical prowess under pressure. They not only kept their cool during the intense matches but also took on other key roles, from marketing the team to gaining new sponsors. These experiences fostered growth in areas like project management, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that will serve them well in both their academic and professional journeys.

We’re now gearing up for our upcoming competitions and would love your support! Mark your calendars for March 7th and 8th, when we’ll be at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, and March 15th and 16th, when we return to Discovery High School in Lawrenceville. These events are free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family to cheer us on! Check the Counseling Department calendar and watch for announcements to stay in the loop.

And if you’re interested in joining the fun, stay tuned for our recruitment announcement in the second semester! We’ll be sending out an interest form for high school students, and applications will open in August 2025.

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FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Learn more about FIRST^®

Georgia Cyber Academy is a leading online public charter school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Georgia. With a focus on personalized education and flexible learning, GCA offers a comprehensive curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a supportive virtual community, enabling students to achieve academic success from the comfort of their homes.