Woodhaven High School’s Goon Squad Team 3604 continues to redefine what it means to be a "powerhouse" program. Following a stellar performance at the FIRST Michigan State Championship at Saginaw Valley State University, the team has officially secured their ticket to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas.
The weekend was a whirlwind of competitive excellence and historic milestones, cementing the Goon Squad’s legacy as one of the premier robotics programs in the state.
While the Goon Squad’s prowess on the field was undeniable - ranking 5th overall on their field - their biggest victory came in the form of the Impact Award. For the third consecutive year, the team earned this prestigious honor at the State level.
As the highest honor in FIRST Robotics, the Impact Award recognizes the team that serves as a model for others, specifically highlighting Team 3604’s massive contributions to the STEM community through the Goonettes Invitational and their legislative advocacy for robotics funding.
In a first for Team 3604, the spotlight also shone on individual excellence. Samantha Manning was honored with the State-Level Student Leadership Award. Having been a part of the program since elementary school, Manning’s recognition serves as a testament to the team’s mission of "building leaders."
“Robotics has been a part of my life since the fourth grade, I couldn’t imagine life without it,” Manning said. “I am so proud of how I’ve seen this community grow with my assistance. I am so honored to have received this award, I am over the moon. Being part of FIRST Robotics changed my life, and I am so proud to help make that possible for upcoming students. I’d like to thank my parents of course, but as well as all the coaches, mentors, teammates, students, and friends who’ve believed in me every step of the way. I love you all, I love robotics, I love being a part of the FIRST robotics community.”
Advisor Becky Matzo noted that this season reflects the heart of the program. “I am so incredibly proud of my team,” Matzo said. “They have gone above and beyond for a robotics program that has helped them find their passion and define their future goals.”
With the State Championship in the rearview mirror, the Goon Squad is now preparing for the ultimate stage: the FIRST World Championship. They will join the best teams from across the globe in Houston to compete, collaborate, and continue their mission of building a more equitable future in STEM.
Next Stop: Houston, Texas!
