Vanguard Gifted Academy Robotics Team Qualifies for Sphero World Championship for Second Consecutive Year

BATAVIA, IL — March 20, 2026 — Vanguard Gifted Academy is proud to announce that its upper elementary robotics team, Vanguard’s Happy Campers (Team 1948-06-02), has been selected to compete in the 2026 Sphero World Championship. This marks the second year in a row that students from the school’s "Band Two" cohort (3rd–5th grade) have reached the global finals of this prestigious STEM competition.

The Sphero World Championship is an elite international event where top student teams demonstrate excellence in programming, engineering, and collaborative problem-solving. Competing in the BOLT+ Upper Elementary division, the Happy Campers will navigate this season’s "Wilderness Survival" theme, completing complex technical challenges and defending their work before a panel of expert judges.

The team’s success is a direct result of the mentorship provided by coach Kelly McCarney. Known for her dedication and "student-first" philosophy, McCarney focuses on preparing the students to tackle high-level robotics independently.

"McCarney is an incredible coach and teacher," said Amy Trujillo, Head of School at Vanguard Gifted Academy. "She works tirelessly to prepare them, but she is very intentional about making sure the students do the work on their own. This accomplishment is a true reflection of their perseverance and their ability to own the process from start to finish."

For Vanguard, the journey to the World Championship is about more than technical mastery. "This is a huge accomplishment, but it isn't just about winning," Trujillo added. "It’s about persevering through challenges and learning how to function effectively as a team. Seeing our students return to the world stage for a second year proves that they have the grit and critical thinking skills to excel anywhere."

The Happy Campers will participate in live virtual presentations between April 27 and May 7, 2026.

About Vanguard Gifted Academy: Located at 1078 E. Wilson Street in Batavia, Illinois, Vanguard Gifted Academy is a micro-school dedicated to the unique needs of gifted and neurodivergent learners. Through personalized learning tracks and a project-based curriculum, Vanguard empowers students to explore their passions and develop the skills necessary for future success. The school is currently hosting a "Discovery Day" Open House on April 11th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.