NASHUA, NH — A Nashua student on FIRST Robotics Team Phoenix 2342 is heading to the world stage after being named a FIRST Leadership Award Finalist at the New England District Championship.
Abinayya Appusamy of Team Phoenix 2342 will represent New England at the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, where she will compete among student leaders from around the world.
Team Phoenix 2342 is based at the Academy for Science and Design in Nashua. According to the team, the FIRST Leadership Award recognizes student leaders who reflect FIRST Core Values, including Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, while making a significant impact on their teams and communities.
Appusamy has participated in FIRST for six years, including four years in FIRST LEGO League and two years in FIRST Robotics Competition. The team said she mentored multiple FIRST LEGO League teams, contributed to award-winning seasons, and received the FIRST LEGO League Youth Mentor Award at the New Hampshire State Championship.
Appusamy is known for encouraging younger students and creating an environment where every voice is valued. Through that mentorship, students became more confident, collaborative, and engaged in STEM, according to the team.
Team Phoenix also pointed to her work beyond her own team. In one example included in the announcement, she assisted a competing team during a match when that team was short a driver. The team said she also promotes FIRST and has encouraged students to get involved in robotics.
On Team Phoenix, Appusamy works on the software team and mentors newer members, according to the announcement. The team said she created software systems that changed how the robot is built and programmed, helping support more advanced automation, vision systems, and simulation. Her work also included developing subsystem libraries, redesigning the team website, and building an interactive pit display system.
“Team Phoenix mentors were thrilled to hear Abi was chosen as a Leadership Award Finalist,” Duane Laflotte, a mentor for Team Phoenix, said. “We know she’s an exceptional engineering student who can do anything she sets her mind to! It’s been a joy watching her discover her passion for STEM.”
Appusamy now advances to the FIRST Championship, where finalists will be considered for the highest level of the award, according to the announcement. Team Phoenix, founded in 2009, said it plans to cheer her on as she represents New Hampshire and the New England District in Houston.
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