The Masterpiece Academy Team Wins Overall Champion at the VA-DC First Lego League Regional Competition
On December 6, 2025, the Masterpiece Academy Team stepped into Godwin High School for the VA DC FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Regional Competition with determination, curiosity, and a mindset ready for challenge. By the end of the day, their dedication paid off. The team earned the title of Overall Champion, the highest honor in the FLL Challenge Division 2 category, and secured Second Place in the Robot Game Missions.
Meet the Champions
This remarkable achievement qualifies the team for the FIRST LEGO League State Championship on January 11, 2026, and marks a defining moment for our students and coaches.
This year’s champion team is led by three exceptional middle school students who demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience:
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Aarsh Tripathi, Trailside Middle School
Aarsh blends creative design with technical skill, shaping the team’s visuals and contributing to key project decisions. He also developed the ArchaeShip’s Mobile App, bringing the Innovation Project to life through thoughtful interface design and functional digital features that strengthened the team’s presentation. -
Kunsh Khanna, Rocky Run Middle School
Kunsh specializes in attachment efficiency, clean builds, and test-driven improvements that refine the robot’s performance each week. He also used Blender to model the components of the Archaeship Innovation Project, then prepared and 3D printed the designs that showcased the team’s engineering vision. -
George John, Rachel Carson Middle School
George codes precise runs, builds clear logic structures, and troubleshoots mission flow with consistency and insight. In addition to his coding contributions to the robot, he also developed the ArchaeShip team’s official website, presenting their research, innovation work, and team identity with clarity and professionalism.
Each student brought unique strengths to the table, and together they developed a robot and strategy that consistently performed under pressure. Beyond the competition floor, they grew as thinkers, creators, and collaborators, strengthening skills that will follow them far beyond robotics.
Guided by Coaches and a Mentor
Behind every great team is a committed support system. This season, our students were guided by two dedicated educators and a youth mentor:
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Krishna Cart, Reading Specialist, National Board Certified Teacher
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Mildred John, Physics Teacher, who has coached STEM Competitions
About Our Youth Mentor
This season, supporting the team was Muthya John, a dedicated youth mentor from Chantilly High School. Muthya began learning coding in 4th grade and has steadily advanced her skills through robotics, programming courses, and personal STEM projects. She also brings a strong creative side to the team, with a love for graphic design and drawing that helps her see problems from fresh, imaginative angles. As a future computer scientist, she models how to blend technical expertise with artistic creativity. Her patience, clarity, and encouraging leadership helped the team troubleshoot code, refine logic, and approach each challenge with confidence.
Reflecting on the season, Krishna Cart shared:
“At The Masterpiece Academy, we want students to grow not only in robotics and academics but also in character, critical thinking, and creativity. This season stretched them in all the best ways. We are grateful for how everything came together and give glory to God for the favor, grace, and strength that carried us.”
Her words reflect what we value most: developing thoughtful, innovative, grounded young people.
Looking Ahead to the State Championship
With their regional win behind them, our champions are training, refining, and preparing for the FIRST LEGO League State Championship. Their excitement is growing, and so is ours. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to problem-solve, innovate, and work as one.
Engage. Educate. Empower
The Masterpiece Academy’s mission is rooted in the belief that every student is uniquely designed with potential and purpose. Guided by the inspiration of Ephesians 2:10, we seek to cultivate curiosity, educate with excellence, and empower learners to make a meaningful impact.
The Masterpiece Academy proudly welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to create an environment built on respect, growth, creativity, and opportunity for every child.
Now Enrolling: FIRST LEGO League Explore (Grades 2–4)
As we celebrate our FLL Challenge champions, we are also opening doors for younger learners through FIRST LEGO League Explore, the introductory robotics and STEM program for Grades 2–4.
Beginning January 2026, students will:
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Build LEGO models with moving parts
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Learn early coding skills
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Practice creativity and problem-solving
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Work as a team
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Prepare for the Spring 2026 FLL Explore Showcase
This is an empowering pathway for young thinkers who want to begin their journey in robotics and engineering in a fun, supportive environment.