- June 21, 2025
The Buddy Taylor Middle School SeaPerch team — Team Swift Sharks — placed 22nd in the middle school class at the International SeaPerch Challenge on May 31-June 1 at the University of Maryland.
The team consisted of Alex Mangal and James Webb with Luke Chrzanowski serving as an alternate.
SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program that challenges students to design, build and maneuver their own underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) using only the tools and materials in their kit.
Team Swift Sharks placed 13th on their Technical Design Report and 23rd on the Mission Course, which tested the maneuverability and capability of their ROV.
“This is an incredible accomplishment,” BTMS SeaPerch advisor Tracy Jones said in a Flagler Schools news release. “These students worked tirelessly on every aspect of their design, and it’s amazing to see their effort recognized at such a high level. They absolutely earned their spot among the top SeaPerch teams in the world.”
The event included 181 teams from 31 states and four countries including China and New Zealand competing in three divisions. More than 800 students participated.
A BTMS team advanced to the International Challenge for the second consecutive year.
