FTC 12459 Gibraltar Jedi

FTC 12459 Gibraltar Jedi is a successful robotics team from the Gibraltar School District, with an impressive competition record. The team has made two appearances at the FIRST in Michigan (FiM) FTC State Tournaments—virtually in 2020 and in-person at Macomb in 2021. They have been part of two FiM FTC Event Winning Alliances, first at the 2020 Detroit FTC Qualifier Remote and again at the 2021 Dearborn Heights FTC Qualifier, where they also earned the Control Award. In 2022, they secured another Control Award at the Gibraltar FTC Spring Showdown. The Gibraltar Jedi also achieved finalist status in two FiM FTC events—the 2023 Gibraltar Spring Showdown and the 2023 Metro Detroit League Tournament. Their dedication and skill continue to make a significant impact in the world of robotics.

"To Weiss Night of the STEM Went the Jedi!!"

FTC Team 12459 Gibraltar Jedi brought the Force to Weiss STEM Night 2025 at Frank E. Weiss Elementary, they did. With last season’s robot proudly on display, young Padawans and their parents eagerly stepped up to the controls, learning to drive the machine with excitement worthy of a Jedi training session. As they explored the ways of the Marauder Robotics FTC program, curiosity and laughter filled the halls like stars in a bright galaxy. An amazing night it was—full of learning, fun, and showcasing the power of teamwork. Strong with this team, the Force is. 

"Liam Returns to Weiss to Teach Coding Skills"

In the offseason, FTC 12459 student, Liam N., returned to Frank E. Weiss Elementary (Gibraltar School District) to teach younger students coding skills.  Liam (former Weiss student) was excited to go back to Weiss and assist students with their projects.  He also taught Mr. Bezeau (Weiss Principal) some coding skills.  The students enjoyed Liam's visit, and many students asked Liam questions about the Marauder Robotics FTC program.  

"New Hall Passes for Shumate"

During the offseason, FTC 12459 Gibraltar Jedi put their engineering skills to work by designing and 3D-printing a brand-new set of hallway passes for Shumate Middle School. Collaborating with Coach Bouwman, the team’s eighth-grade students helped create a durable, schoolwide system that improves both organization and safety. Each pass is color-coded to match a specific zone of the building, and every teacher’s name and room number is clearly printed right on the pass. The result is a cleaner, sturdier, and more efficient way for students to move throughout the school—proving once again that the Gibraltar Jedi use their talents to support and strengthen their community.