Meridian Robotics Team Shines at FIRST Home Competition, Earns Prestigious Sustainability Award

On March 23 and 24, FCCPS hosted a FIRST Robotics competition at Meridian High School. This was the first Home competition for the Meridian High School Robotics Team, 1418 Vae Victis. MHS welcomed 34 teams from the FIRST Chesapeake district, a diverse group that included teams from VA, MD and DC. The main gym was transformed into a thrilling competition field where six team robots would compete in two alliances (Red and Blue). Before each match, randomly selected alliance teams had to devise their game plan to win and earn ranking points. These ranking points were crucial in determining which teams would advance to the playoff matches. This Competition, a hallmark of FIRST Robotics competitions, was a testament to the spirit of collaboration and competition.

Team 1418, a shining example of resilience and adaptability, made several strategic modifications to their robot following the lessons learned from their prior competition in Severn, MD, on March 16-17. These changes propelled the team to stand out, showcasing a consistent autonomous routine that kicked off each match and a robot that was faster and more agile. Their efforts were rewarded with one of the highest ranks in several years, a commendable 4th place. This rank also bestowed upon them the honor of being the alliance captain of the 3rd alliance for the playoffs. Despite a setback in the form of structural damage to their robot Mantis during the first playoff match, the team’s spirit remained unbroken, a testament to their dedication and perseverance.

Throughout the competition, several FIRST judges visited the team and interviewed team members about all aspects of the team. The team was interviewed about the mechanics of the robot, the programming behind the automation, and how the team is run.

Team 1418, in addition to their impressive performance, was also recognized for their commitment to sustainability. They were awarded the prestigious Team Sustainability Award, sponsored by Dow, which celebrates and recognizes a team that has developed sustainable practices to have a positive environmental impact and achieve long-term continuity. During the team interview, they shared information about:

• What team sustainability practices are in place, such as recruiting and training future team members
• How the team keeps students, mentors, and sponsors actively engaged by making decisions and dividing their workload
• How the team celebrates success and document lessons learned to prevent repeating mistakes
• How the team assesses its environmental impact and what it does to mitigate or reduce it.
• How the team’s environmental sustainability strategy impacts their team longevity.
• How the team is funded and how the team budgets, including potential revenue from sustainability practices like metal recycling

As the team celebrates one of its most successful performances, it is already setting its sights on the future. The team is eagerly beginning to plan for the 2025 season, filled with anticipation and determination to continue their winning streak.

In Memory of Beloved Custodial Supervisor Eduardo Molina, Support Fund for Family Launched

Beloved FCCPS Custodial Supervisor Eduardo Molina passed away suddenly on Monday, March 25.
Eduardo was not just a colleague; he was an integral part of our FCCPS community. His dedication, passion, and warmth touched the lives of everyone around him. If you knew him, you loved him.
Eduardo was a 31-year employee of FCCPS. He started as a custodian and worked his way up to the leadership role of his department. His employees affectionately called him “El Jefe” (The Boss). He led a team of 35 custodians who supported all five schools. Wherever he went, Eduardo’s exuberant personality filled the space with positivity.

FCCPS said in an email: “May Eduardo’s memory continue to inspire us and remind us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and camaraderie in both our personal and professional lives.”

FCCPS is coordinating donations to the Molina Family to support them in this difficult time. Donate via the Falls Church Education Foundation Family Assistance Fund. All funds donated will be provided to the Molina Family.

To donate, visit fcedf.org/donate. Where it says “Apply My Donation to,” Scroll to “Family Assistance Fund,” then in the box that says “Your Note for the Donor Scroll” enter “For Eduardo Molina’s Family.”

Girls Varsity Soccer Picks Up Second Home Win

The Mustangs Girls Soccer team faced two Class 6 teams in consecutive days before Spring Break. Hosting Osbourn Park in the first of two matches, Senior Rosa Sims opened the scoring seven minutes in on an assist from Senior Mia Rodriguez, and Junior Lily Williamson served a 30-yard free kick to Junior Gia Khan for a second goal. The Mustangs controlled the entire match, earning a 2-1 home win. In the second of two matches, the Mustangs visited Briar Woods and played them evenly in the first half, highlighted by a Senior Madie Miller goal on an assist from Senior Charlotte Hill. Despite strong, attack-minded play, the Mustangs did not secure the win and sit at 2-2 for the season. The Mustangs are home again Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. versus Class 6 Wakefield HS.

Mulch Mania! Pick up Free Mulch Saturdays through April 27

Community members, including general public and contractors, are welcome to bring their own containers, bags, tools and vehicles to transport unlimited (while supplies last) free leaf mulch, 7:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. every Saturday through April 27. For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 703-248-5081 (TTY 711) or dpw@fallschurchva.gov.

Meridian Debate Sends 4 Teams to Metro Finals

With guidance from captains Preston Lieu and Anand Colby, Meridian’s Debate Team extended the season with four teams qualified for the Metro Finals. Eight team pairs began the season, with four of those pairs, Allie Zagorski & Mercer Colby, Ruben Krishna & Noah Peng, and Sesh Sudarshan & Graham Gallagher, securing their spot to compete at the Metro Finals in hopes of attending the NCFL Nationals.