Flight Risk #32159 is an FTC robotics club whose members are 95% freshmen at Sage Creek High School trying robotics for the first time and bringing a genuine sense of excitement and curiosity to the team’s launch. For many, joining the club is not just about building a robot—it’s about discovering new interests, becoming leaders, learning foundational technical skills, and experiencing the value of teamwork. The students are embracing an environment where everyone can try, fail, improve, and ultimately grow together by solving hands-on engineering challenges.

In the first year, new FTC members typically start by observing, participating in team brainstorming, and working through trial-and-error during robot building and coding sessions. This process helps freshmen develop lasting friendships, resilience, and self-confidence as each member finds unique ways to contribute, whether through mechanical design, programming, or team organization. As they move through the season, students develop core skills essential for success—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and time management—all while enjoying “the hardest fun you’ll ever have” together.

But, this team is starting a club that is almost entirely made up of first-year students, creating a highly supportive, energetic environment where learning is celebrated and everyone is encouraged to take risks and try new things. Even with little or no previous robotics experience, this team is quickly discovering that passion, persistence, and teamwork can propel the team forward—making every small victory and new idea a cause for collective celebration.