Westside Elementary Robotics Teams Head to Washington, D.C., but Still Need Fundraising Help
Two student robotics teams from Westside Elementary School in Idaho Falls are preparing to represent their school — and their state — at a national underwater robotics competition in Washington, D.C., but organizers say they still need roughly $4,000 in community support to cover the full cost of the trip.
The teams — the Soaring Sharks and the Underwater Conquistadors — qualified for the SeaPerch Competition, a national STEM showcase that draws more than 130 teams from around the world. The event challenges student-built remotely operated vehicles to navigate underwater obstacle courses and complete scored missions.
Elementary Students Who Outpaced Older Competitors
The Soaring Sharks roster includes McKenna Taggart, Claria Ence, and Everlee Graham. The Underwater Conquistadors are made up of Bentley Boucha, Cullen Rainey, and Thomas Jones. Both groups advanced through regional competition — a notable achievement given that many of their competitors were older students.
“We’re one of the only elementary teams, and we beat out seventh- and eighth-graders,” members of the Soaring Sharks noted in remarks reported by a local television station.
The competition itself involves two distinct challenges. In the obstacle course, teams pilot their underwater robots through a series of five hoops arranged horizontally or vertically, attempting to complete the run in the fastest time. The mission course requires completing a set of tasks within a 20-minute window, with each task awarding a specific point value. The team that accumulates the most points wins.
Building and piloting the robots is only part of the experience. The SeaPerch program is designed to give students hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math through the full process of designing, constructing, and competing with their creations — all guided by classroom teachers.
Trip Includes Capitol Tour; Fundraising Short of Goal
Beyond the competition itself, the Washington trip carries additional opportunities for the young students. Teachers noted that the group has been in contact with U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo’s office and that a tour of the U.S. Capitol building is planned as part of the visit.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” teachers said of the opportunity. While the team has been fundraising, organizers estimated they remain approximately $4,000 short of covering all travel and competition expenses.
Community members who wish to support the teams can contribute through the teams’ Venmo account. Specific contact details were being coordinated through the school.
The competition is scheduled for this weekend, leaving a narrow window for donations to come in before the students depart. Teachers emphasized that every contribution brings the teams closer to being fully funded for the experience.
STEM Opportunities Expanding Across Idaho
The Westside Elementary teams’ journey to a national robotics competition reflects a broader push to bring meaningful STEM education to Idaho students at earlier ages. Hands-on programs like SeaPerch give elementary-aged children an early introduction to engineering concepts that can shape long-term academic and career interests.
At the higher education level, Idaho institutions are also working to expand access to technical degree pathways. Idaho State University recently announced the state’s first three-year bachelor’s degree programs, a development aimed at reducing the time and cost of earning a credential in several fields — including those aligned with STEM careers.
For now, the focus is on six elementary students who earned their way to the national stage. Whether the Soaring Sharks or the Underwater Conquistadors take home hardware from Washington, D.C., the trip itself represents an extraordinary achievement for young competitors from Idaho Falls.
What Comes Next
The SeaPerch national competition is set to take place in Washington, D.C., this weekend, with both Westside Elementary teams scheduled to compete. Fundraising efforts remain ongoing, and community members are encouraged to contribute before the teams depart. Results from the competition are expected to be available following the event.