(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – April 15, 2025) — A group of ambitious and talented students at Franklin High School is preparing to take the global stage at the VEX Robotics World Championship, a prestigious competition that will bring together more than 865 top-tier robotics teams from around the world from this May.
The Franklin team, ranked among the top five out of more than 14,000 teams worldwide, has captured attention not only for its competitive success but also for the collaborative and driven culture it has cultivated under the guidance of teacher and adviser Daniel Quinones.
“These are a great group of students,” Quinones said. “They’re committed to their craft. They’ll take their robots home, work on them over breaks, and do whatever it takes to get things just right. It goes beyond robotics—these students are learning real-world skills and life lessons.”
Quinones, who has led the club for the past five years, credits the program’s success to the students’ strong work ethic and the way they support one another. Many students stay involved throughout their high school journey, mentoring newcomers and contributing to the team’s sense of community and growth. They meet before school, during lunch, and after hours—always pushing to improve and innovate.
Freshman Noah Hsieh, who helped his team win at regionals to qualify for the world championship, said he initially considered quitting but ultimately found his passion in the program.
“At first, I didn’t think I would stick with it,” Hsieh said. “But I realized it was fun, and I could actually learn a lot. It lets me be creative. Now I see this as a potential future career.”
Junior Brian Tseng, a veteran on the team, said the challenges are intense but rewarding. He recalled a recent competition where the team forgot a crucial part and had to improvise on the spot—an experience that taught them adaptability under pressure.
“Worlds is a really big deal,” Tseng said. “I’m excited, and I’m working hard for our team to be among the top 16. That’s where you compete in the big arena in front of everyone—it’s a dream.”
The club’s approach combines engineering, creativity, and discipline. Students brainstorm and design each robot with 3D modeling software before building two to three models each season. They must also maintain strong academic performance to stay in the program, in accordance with UIL requirements.
Beyond the tech and teamwork, Quinones sees the broader impact.
“There’s a lot of math involved, and they’re learning to use tools, wrenches—skills that will serve them long after high school,” he said. “It’s so meaningful that I plan to bring my own grandson into the club next year.”
Franklin High School’s robotics team is not just building robots—they’re building futures.
