Springfield Students Soar to Victory at National Drone Championship

Aerial Drone Competition

Springfield, Vermont, is buzzing with excitement after the impressive triumph of our local students at the prestigious Dragonfly Regional Drone Championship in West Virginia. On their return, the young champions received a hero’s welcome, complete with a police escort parade, celebrating their remarkable accomplishment.

Carter Fox, a ninth-grader and a member of River Valley Technical Center’s Robotics and Aerial Drone Club (RADs), shared his astonishment: “I was actually half asleep when we figured out we were getting the parade. We didn’t know anything until it actually happened.”
The RADs team, known for their excellent collaboration and coordination, competed fiercely and emerged victorious in the Teamwork Challenge. Their mission? Navigate their drones through a challenging course, efficiently maneuvering balls to their designated locations in record time.

Teammate Eli Spear highlighted the club’s dynamic appeal, “I think the part that I like best about RADs is that you get to do so much stuff.” Spear emphasized that clear communication and teamwork were the key to their success, explaining, “It’s the coordination that we all have. We all know what we are doing and how to listen.”

Instructor Christopher Gray, who leads the RADs club, pointed out the broader educational implications of their win: “There is a direct link between what they are learning with the drone and what they could do as a future drone pilot or even in aviation.” Gray proudly noted that this marks the third consecutive year the club has reached the regional competition level, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
One team member, Tallman, underscored the real-world benefits of participating in drone competitions: “I want to do more programming in the future, so it is a really nice and fun way to have more experience.”
For these students, the celebration extended beyond trophies and medals. Reflecting on the exhilarating moment of victory, Fox described the unforgettable experience of being hoisted into the air by his ecstatic teammates: “All of a sudden, I just felt myself levitating, and it was all my teammates picking me up and they just carried me.”
Though their drones will remain grounded until October, the students at River Valley Technical Center have already set their sights on their next adventure, the eagerly anticipated end-of-year Battle Bot Competition.
Congratulations to Springfield’s young innovators, whose success in drone technology underscores the vibrant spirit of innovation and collaboration in our community. As they continue to achieve remarkable milestones, they inspire us all to look to the skies, and beyond.

Recent Posts

Snowshoeing Near Springfield VT

Snowshoeing Near Springfield VT

3 Must-Try Snowshoeing Trails Near Springfield VT Winter in Vermont is a special kind of magic. While many think of skiing or snowboarding, there’s another incredibly rewarding way to experience our snowy landscapes: snowshoeing. It’s accessible, serene, and allows you to explore the hushed beauty of the winter woods at your own pace. And if you’re staying in or near Springfield, VT, you’re perfectly positioned to hit some of Southern Vermont’s best winter trails, all within

Read More »
Springfield School District

Springfield School District

Springfield School District’s Bold Vision for 2025-26 There’s a fresh sense of momentum in Springfield School District (SSD) this fall, and it’s more than just the back-to-school excitement. With new leadership at the helm and a bold, community-driven vision for the future, Springfield’s schools are entering an exciting chapter. We’re proud to welcome Dr. Peter Burrows as our new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Burrows brings a deep commitment to student-centered learning, community collaboration, and educational excellence.

Read More »
Springfield Police

Springfield Leads With Compassion: A New Approach to Community Safety

Springfield Leads With Compassion: A New Approach to Community Safety In Springfield, we know that neighbors look out for neighbors. Now, our community is putting that spirit into action with an innovative new model to address some of today’s toughest challenges, crime, addiction, and homelessness. It’s called a situation table, and Springfield is showing how collaboration can change lives. What’s a Situation Table? Every week, local police, health providers, housing agencies, and nonprofits meet at one

Read More »
Town Manager Job Opening

Springfield Vermont Town Manager Opening

Town Manager Opening Help shape the next chapter of a historic New England mill town that’s building a bold future with world class broadband, a resilient local economy, and a strong sense of place. Springfield, Vermont (population ~9,000) is welcoming applications for our next Town Manager, a dynamic, forward thinking leader ready to accelerate our Strategic Plan and guide a thriving community through a period of transformation. Nationally recognized for our robust fiber optic network, Springfield

Read More »
Springfield VT First Fridays

First Friday

First Fridays Returns This Fall in Downtown Springfield 🍂✨ Downtown Springfield is alive with energy, and this October we’re celebrating in true Vermont style! Springfield on the Move invites you to the First Fridays Fall Edition on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.✨ This event is all about community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a local neighbor or a first-time visitor exploring southern Vermont, First Fridays is the perfect way to experience the

Read More »
Vermont Fall Foliage

Vermont Fall Foliage

Vermont Fall Foliage: The Best Places to See Autumn Colors in Springfield Forget the crowded tourist trails. For a truly authentic Vermont fall foliage experience, set your sights on the charming town of Springfield. Tucked into the serene Black River Valley, this area offers a more intimate and less-trafficked base for exploring the state’s most breathtaking season. This guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey, whether you prefer the challenge of a rewarding hike or

Read More »