The Springside Chestnut Hill Academy robotics team 1218 unveiled its “Beach Bash” theme for the 2025 competition season, emphasizing diversity and inclusion with the slogan “Everyone’s Invited.” This theme reflects the team’s core value of diversity and aims to create an empowering environment for all members, regardless of experience or role.

Tristyn Howard ‘27, co-head of media and marketing for robotics said, “The point of the theme is to empower everyone in robotics no matter their prior experience or role because everyone should be invited to the 1218 Beach Bash.”

Team 1218 participates in four annual competitions. The team will kick off its season at Hatboro Horsham High School on March 1st and 2nd. The event is followed by a home competition hosted by SCH, followed by a regional event at Lehigh University, and, for top-performing teams, the world championship in Houston, Texas. Past competition locations have included Hatboro, Mount Olive, Lehigh, and Wissahickon High School.

Last year, with a Taylor Swift theme, SCH earned the prestigious Impact Award, recognizing their embodiment of FIRST’s core values both on and off the competition. They have also previously won the RAMPRIOT competition during their offseason.

The ‘Beach Bash’ theme was inspired by the “Beach Blast” event in the Rocket League video game and selected by Alec Gupte ‘26, co-head of media. Students receive points for their community service efforts, which are documented and aligned with the Beach Bash theme. Having this consistent theme across all team activities is important to maximize their points and recognition.