A West Baton Rouge robotics team returned home this weekend with a second-place finish after competing in a regional tournament in Mississippi, a strong result for a program still in just its second year.

FRC Team 10217, based out of West Baton Rouge Career Academy and made up of students from Port Allen High School, traveled to Laurel and Magnolia, Mississippi to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition regional event. The team was selected to join the second-ranked alliance alongside two other teams — Voodoo Voltage and Radioactive Roaches — and advanced through the playoff rounds before ultimately finishing as finalists and earning second place overall.

Lead mentor Shaylee Bickford said the finish was the result of months of preparation and a commitment from a small but determined group of students.

"They spent countless hours designing and building their robot," Bickford said. "But more importantly, they developed valuable skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership."

The team consists of just 10 students.

Beyond the competition results, the team earned recognition from other participants for what organizers call gracious professionalism — a core value of the FIRST Robotics Competition program. According to Bickford, the students consistently stepped up to help other teams throughout the event, whether that meant troubleshooting mechanical problems, sharing tools, or offering encouragement.

"They built a reputation as a team that others could rely on, which is something we are incredibly proud of," she said.

Bickford said the team is also focused on building a broader culture and expanding their outreach efforts in the community.

The team's next competition is the Bayou Regional, scheduled for April 3 through 5 in Kenner, Louisiana.

Editor's note: Readers who want to follow the team or show their support are encouraged to watch for updates as the Bayou Regional approaches.