April 16, 2026 — For the first time ever, Wheeler High School is sending three robotics teams to compete in the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas.
Wheeler will go up against hundreds of teams not only from across the country but also from around the world, as they showcase the robots and technology they created.
"There's only about ten other teams in the world that I know of who've sent two teams to worlds, let alone three," said Wheeler robotics coach Cameron Huggins.
There will be two FIRST Tech Challenge teams and one FIRST Robotics Competition team represented by Wheeler.
Each robot created is designed to pick up balls on the ground and shoot them into a targeted area. These teams will be judged on how smoothly their robots move, how accurately they function, and how precisely they stay in their intended spots throughout the course.
"We stay here until like 12 a.m., 3 a.m. sometimes just trying to get the robot like to work and function the way we envision it in mind," said junior Goodnews.
Before the teams embark on their trip, they spend hours practicing and perfecting their craft in their new robotics lab, which they received in 2022, thanks to Ed-SPLOST funding.
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
The teams were recognized during a Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting leading up to their competition, during which students showcased their robots to commissioners and community members in attendance.
"What they do is astounding and awe-inspiring," said Cobb County School Board member John Cristadoro.
The World Championship will take place from April 29 through May 2.
"Honestly, I'm so excited to be able to go to the World Championships and represent Georgia on the world stage. So, there's going to be thousands, hundreds of teams coming from all over the world, and being able to represent Georgia three teams from one club is absolutely crazy," said sophomore Hannah.
Those looking to support the Wheeler robotics team’s continued growth and travel efforts can donate here.
