FRC Team 8818, known as The 44 Engineering Robotics Group, proudly represented Aldine ISD during the 2026 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition season, advancing to the Texas District Championship and earning multiple awards.
Coached by Dr. Don Prier, Dr. Monikka Mann, Tim Lewis, and Chris Junious, Team 8818 consists of students from Carver High School and Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, part of the FIRST in Texas District.
Founded in 2022, the program has grown into a competitive, student-centered robotics team focused on hands-on STEM learning, leadership and teamwork.
During the 2026 season, Team 8818 competed among 181 teams across the FIRST in Texas District. Only 90 teams advanced to the District Championship, placing the Aldine ISD students among the top-performing robotics programs in the state.
Throughout the season, students applied engineering, programming, fabrication and strategic problem-solving skills while navigating the full engineering design process. Team members analyzed the annual game challenge, designed and tested prototypes, built and wired an industrial-sized robot, programmed robot functions and competed in alliance-based matches against teams from across Texas.
Team 8818 kicked off the season at the FIRST in Texas District McAllen Event, held March 12- 14 at the McAllen Convention Center. Following qualification matches, the team ranked 14th overall and was selected as the second pick for Alliance 2 during the playoff selections.
Despite a demanding season filled with obstacles and adjustments, students embraced the challenge with determination and resilience.
“This robotics season was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” said Alejandro Santana, the 2026-2027 Carver student president of The 44. “It pushed us way beyond what we thought we were capable of and showed how much teamwork, trust and determination really matter. I learned how to adapt when things changed suddenly and how to keep moving forward even when our plans didn’t work out. From long build sessions and late nights fixing code to stressful competitions, we made memories I’ll always remember and learned lessons that will help us in the future.”
The Aldine ISD students advanced through the playoff rounds and reached the finals, earning District Event Finalist honors. The team also received the Industrial Design Award and a Safety Award for professionalism and safe work practices throughout the competition.
The Industrial Design Award recognizes excellence in robot design, functionality and engineering execution. For Team 8818, the recognition reflected months of work in mechanical design, systems integration, fabrication, programming, testing and iterative problem-solving.
The team concluded its season at the Texas District Championship — Apollo Division — held April 15-18 in Houston. Competing against some of the top robotics programs in Texas, Team 8818 finished ranked 39th in the Apollo Division.
As the program continues to grow, Team 8818’s success highlights Aldine ISD students’ commitment to innovation, perseverance and excellence in STEM education.
