CCS Robotics Teams Advance, Earn Honors at VEX Robotics Tennessee State Championship

Middle and high school robotics teams from Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) delivered a standout performance at the 2026 VEX Robotics Tennessee State Championship, with all nine teams advancing to the round of 16 and multiple teams earning top honors.

The strong showing builds on an impressive season for CCS robotics, with the high school program earning 22 awards across competitions leading up to the state championship.

The state event, held March 13–14, featured top robotics programs from across Tennessee competing in the VEX Robotics Competition, a global STEM program that challenges students to design, build, and program robots while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering skills.

 

 

CCS Robotics Teams Advance Across All Divisions

Three CCS middle school teams qualified for and competed at the state level: 

• Team 663Z “4D Squares” 
• Team 663X “Xplosions”
• Team 663P “Papa’s Pepperoni Pizza Extra Pepper”

Six CCS high school teams also earned spots at the championship:

• Team 663A “Ampersand” 
• Team 663C “Crossfire” 
• Team 663D “UltraViolet” 
• Team 663H “Target Acquired” 
• Team 663J “JellyBotz”
• Team 663S “Vegan Cheese”

All nine teams advanced to the round of 16, demonstrating depth, consistency, and competitive strength across the CCS robotics program.

“Teamwork, strategy, and grit—these are the ingredients of a competitive robotics team,” said Scott Rosenow, assistant high school coach. “Our teams have successfully demonstrated these ingredients throughout the season.” 

Team 663A Qualifies for VEX Robotics World Championship

At state, team 663A “Ampersand” earned the prestigious Amaze Award, qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Championship. 

The Amaze Award recognizes a team with a consistently high-performing and competitive robot that stands out among the field. In addition, 663A was ranked No. 9 in the Skills Challenge, which measures both driver-controlled and autonomous programming performance.

Additional Honors and Recognition

Team 663D “UltraViolet” earned the Judges Award, which recognizes teams for unique accomplishments, special efforts or attributes that leave a strong impression on judges.

CCS faculty member and assistant coach Scott Rosenow was also named Volunteer of the Year, an honor recognizing individuals who play a  critical role in supporting robotics competitions through leadership, service, and commitment.

“Scott has a tremendous capacity to do so many things well,” said Matt Monahan, upper school robotics director. “He’s also radically generous with his talent and gives so much of himself not only to our school but also to the entire state robotics community.”

CCS teams’ performance at the state championship highlights both technical excellence and perseverance, reinforcing the school’s growing reputation as a leader in competitive robotics and STEM education.

Student Perspective: A Global Opportunity

With its qualification secured, Team 663A will represent Chattanooga Christian School and the state of Tennessee at the VEX Robotics World Championship, scheduled for April 21–24 in St. Louis. Participating in the competition represents both achievement and opportunity.

“My team and I are beyond excited to head to the VEX Robotics World Championship this year,” said senior Mary Addison Harkins of Team 663A. “This wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of the robotics program and coaches who have prepared us to compete with the top teams from around the world.”

Harkins said she looks forward to collaborating with students from countries including Japan, Australia, China, Spain, and the United Kingdom 

“This is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.