Austin, Texas: The nation’s capital is calling, and St. Michael’s Prep students are answering on behalf of the entire state of Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially invited the St. Michael’s Prep FIRST® Tech Challenge Robotics Team 12928, the Lightsaders, to represent the state of Texas at the inaugural United States Governor’s Cup FIRST ® Tech Challenge Showcase Event in Washington, D.C. In a formal letter to Mike Scallon, Robotics Coach and Innovation Instructor at St. Michael’s Prep, Governor Abbott recognized the team’s exceptional accomplishments and leadership in robotics education, citing their sustained excellence, innovation, and impact on STEM learning across Texas. Over the past several years, St. Michael’s Prep students have established themselves as one of the most successful and respected robotics teams in the state and nation, earning:
Four consecutive Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) State Championships (2021–2024) Multiple appearances at the FIRST World Championships, including Division Finalist and Championship Finalist Alliances Repeated selection as a top alliance partner and captain at regional, state, and championship-level competitions Top-tier innovation, design, and inspire awards recognizing engineering excellence, strategic thinking, and team leadership
Most recently, during the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge season, the Lightsaders advanced to the finals of their division at the FIRST World Championship, a distinction reserved for only the highest-performing teams in the world. Governor Abbott commended the Lightsaders for their talent, collaboration, perseverance, and innovation, noting that their work serves as an inspiration to students and competitors throughout Texas and beyond. “Representing the state of Texas at the first-ever Governor’s Cup is an incredible honor for us. Our team has grown so much this season and has shaped who I am as a leader and as an engineer. We’re proud to bring our ideas, innovation, and Texas spirit to D.C.” -William R. For students at St. Michael’s Prep, achievements at this level are earned through months of preparation and countless hours in the robotics lab. Student engineers and programmers design, build, test, refine, and re-code their robots through hands-on problem-solving, trial and error, and relentless iteration. Late nights, precision coding, mechanical adjustments, and repeated testing are hallmarks of the program, mirroring the rigor of collegiate engineering environments and real-world innovation labs. At a time when robotics education is rapidly evolving, St. Michael’s Prep stands apart. No other school in Central Texas offers students this level of competitive success, sustained excellence, and national recognition in robotics. This invitation to Washington, D.C. underscores the school’s commitment to preparing students not only to compete, but to lead, build, and innovate at the highest levels. “We are immensely proud of our students,” said Heidi Sloan, Head of Upper School. “Their dedication, creativity, and perseverance exemplify the St. Michael’s Prep experience and demonstrate what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and empowered to think boldly.” As the Lightsaders prepare to represent Texas on the national stage, they do so as ambassadors for student-driven excellence, engineering rigor, and the future of STEM education. About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades Pre-K3 – 12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity. Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics. The “St. Michael’s Prep Difference” is one hallmarked by an independent and innovative educational experience, a deeply committed and vibrant school spirit and culture, and a profoundly unique and transformative fifteen-year journey for every student. For more information, visit https://www.smcprep.org/ ### 
