For the first time in Mountain House High School history, an MHHS Robotics team has qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship! With the advice from their coach, Mr. Geuss, Team 19359A, consisting of Yashmit Bhaverisetti, Likhith Bollam, Akshat Sehgal, Ansh Sutdhar, Yash Kathrani, Eshwar Bhaverisetti, Akshat Gupta, and Daksh Jain earned their spot by excelling in a VEX Online Challenge sponsored by Google, which highlighted their impact on the local community through STEM outreach. Their submission showcased years of dedication to fostering the next generation of engineers through STEM workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.
In addition to their historic Worlds qualification, this season also marks the first time Team Apex has qualified for the VEX Robotics California State Championship, through their outstanding performance throughout the season, including strong showings in qualification matches, teamwork challenges, and skills runs. This milestone underscores their dedication, strategic growth, and technical expertise in competitive robotics.
Team Apex's success has been built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, as reflected in the numerous awards they have earned over the years. In the 2022-2023 season (Spin Up), they received the Judges Award for their exceptional problem-solving and teamwork. The following year, during the 2023-2024 season (Over Under), they earned the Amaze Award, recognizing their outstanding engineering and robot performance. In the current 2024-2025 season (High Stakes), Apex has already made history by securing the Robot Skills Champion award and the Innovate Award, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier robotics team.
The journey began with a vision to bring robotics to young students in Mountain House. In 2022, the club hosted its first elementary and middle school robotics workshop, teaching students the fundamentals of building and programming while raising $2,000 to fund new robotics parts. Inspired by their success, they expanded in 2023, splitting the workshop into beginner and advanced sections. This event welcomed 120+ students and raised $6,000, allowing the team to purchase a full competition field and equipment. By 2024, the club took its efforts even further, organizing a three-day summer STEM camp in collaboration with other MHHS STEM clubs. This event reached over 150 students, raised $13,000, and helped expand the robotics program to new heights. Alongside these workshops, the club also showcased robotics at the STEAM Fair, introducing middle school students to CAD design, mechanical engineering, and problem-solving.
By highlighting these achievements in their VEX Online Challenge submission, Apex demonstrated their lasting impact on the Mountain House community—one that extends beyond competition and into the future of STEM education. Their qualification for VEX Worlds 2025 is not only a victory for their team but a historic moment for MHHS Robotics. As they prepare for the global stage, their mission remains the same: to inspire, innovate, and lead the next generation of engineers.