St. Thomas Aquinas High School Robotics
RoboSaints 1307
Mission
For St. Thomas Aquinas High School Robotics, our mission is to inspire innovation and leadership through hands- on experience in STEM. By supporting our team, sponsors invest directly in the growth of future engineers and problem-solvers who will shape tomorrow’s world. Together, we build more than robots—we build a brighter future.
Being a member of the STA RoboSaints has really helped foster not only my technical abilities, but also helped develop my leadership skills. In the past few years, I have not only learned about the design and construction of complex robots, but also how to manage teams and delegate responsibilities.
– Danny Lowry, STA Class of 2025
The Team
The RoboSaints design and build robots in the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Maker Space, with students leading the charge under the guidance of dedicated teachers and parent mentors. This support has empowered us to expand our outreach, grow our team, and make a positive impact on our community.
For example, we launched a LEGO Robotics Program at a local elementary school, teaching 5th–8th graders the basics of coding and engineering. We also visit area schools to demonstrate our robots and give younger students hands-on experience with STEM.
Founded in 2004, the RoboSaints serve as an extracurricular program for students in grades 9–12, offering opportunities to develop skills in engineering, programming, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork. Our goal is to apply academic knowledge to solve real-world technical challenges, while also developing marketing, finance, business, and communication skills—key elements of any successful organization.
Despite operating with a smaller budget than many teams, our robots are robust, competitive, and reliable—a true reflection of our dedication and resourcefulness. In FIRST competitions, our ability to design cost-effective yet high-performing machines sets us apart, proving that passion and ingenuity can rival even the most well-funded programs.
RoboSaints gives students a unique opportunity to network with multi-billion dollar international corporations in order to secure funding for the team. This allows students to gain information about and develop relationships with representatives of major companies, which will open doors for them to take internships or gain future employment.
– Andrew McMorrow, STA Class of 2025
What is FIRST?
FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that runs robotics competitions for students ages five to eighteen. Its programs prepare young people for the future by teaching valuable skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a high school league where, under strict rules and with limited resources, students design, build, and program robots to complete challenging tasks on a competitive playing field. Guided by volunteer mentors—including engineers, teachers, business professionals, parents, and alumni—teams not only build robots but also raise funds, create a team identity, strengthen teamwork skills, and give back through community outreach (firstinspires.org).
Each season includes a six-week build period where teams brainstorm, design, fabricate, and test a robot weighing up to 120 pounds. The robot is programmed to run autonomously and can also be operated by drivers through radio control. During competitions, robots perform sport-like tasks to score points, blending engineering with the excitement of athletics.
Team Structure
The RoboSaints team is made up of students specializing in Engineering, Computer Programming, and Business. Working together under the guidance of our mentor, team members emphasize productivity, steady progress, and strong communication. Student leaders oversee each area—Engineering Design, Programming, and Business—and report directly to the RoboSaints Student President or Vice President.
The Engineering Design Leader manages electrical systems, mechanical work, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The Programming Leader is responsible for all robot control functions, including autonomous operations. The Business Leader develops our business plan, manages external relations, shapes team strategy, and oversees the budget.
Event History
2004 – Team Started at STA
• BAE Systems Granite State Regionals – Judges’ Award
• BattleCry @ WPI – Quarterfinals
2006
• BAE Systems Granite State Regionals – Quarterfinals
2007
• BAE Systems Granite State Regionals – Semifinals
2008
• BAE Systems Granite State Regionals – Semifinals
2015
• Granite State District – Winner
• Granite State District – Quarterfinals
2017
• NE District Greater Boston Event – Semifinals
2019
• NE District Greater Boston Event – Winner
2022
• Governor’s Cup – Quarterfinals
• Battle of the Bay Off-Season Event – Winner
2023
• Governor’s Cup – Runner-Up