Celebrating Triumph and Resilience: San Leandro High School Robotics Team Shines at UC Berkeley Competition The robotics club at San Leandro High School has emerged victorious, taking home the top prize in a highly competitive tournament held at UC Berkeley. The students showed incredible determination and skill, overcoming significant challenges along the way. One of the most difficult hurdles they faced was the sudden and tragic loss of their mentor, Mr. Nava. Despite the devastating setback, the team rallied together, using their grief as motivation to honor him with their success. The robot they built from scratch secured first place at UC Berkeley’s Pioneers in Engineering competition. Led by the guidance and support of Mr. Nava, the Makers Club at San Leandro High School encouraged more girls to join the team and explore the world of STEM. Josclyn Avalos, a junior at the school, decided to step out of her comfort zone and join the team, not knowing that she would play a pivotal role in bringing home the victory for the first time in years. Through this journey, the entire team faced numerous challenges. The loss of their mentor weighed heavily on their hearts, and they had only half the time to prepare for the competition due to the tragic circumstances. Despite these obstacles, they decided to make the robot partially autonomous, which ultimately gave them an edge over the competition. Former San Leandro High School graduate Martín Martínez, who was studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, returned to mentor the team after learning of Mr. Nava’s passing. Martínez shared that their intense work schedule to win the competition was not only about achieving success but also about glorifying the memory of their beloved mentor. With just three weeks left to prepare, several students stepped up, dedicating up to six hours per day to the project. During the competition, they encountered some difficulties, but with only five minutes remaining on the clock, they were able to troubleshoot and secure the win. For the entire team, this journey was nerve-wracking but incredibly rewarding. It allowed them to develop valuable skills and explore their passion for a potential career in the industry. The hard work and determination they displayed during this competition will undoubtedly benefit them for years to come. Above all, this victory was a tribute to Mr. Nava’s remarkable life. The team members can be immensely proud of their achievement, as they honored their mentor’s memory by channeling their grief into something truly remarkable. As personal injury bloggers, we understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating such stories of triumph and resilience. The San Leandro High School robotics team serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating the power of unity, dedication, and determination. We extend our congratulations to the entire team for their outstanding achievement and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.