For eight years, the Piedmont Governor's School Robotics Team has participated in the Virginia Regional competition in Richmond, VA. The competition is organized through FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Before the competition ever begins, our robotics team members will have worked for up to twenty hours a week constructing a remote-controlled and autonomous robot. Each year, FIRST presents a new challenge to Robotics teams across the country and allots six weeks for the completion of a robot. Students work with professional engineers to complete the task and build a robot that could be the best in the nation. All the while, participants learn the value of teamwork, self-starting character, time management, and creativity. In 2009, our robotics team, the "STAGS" (Science Technology and Gifted Students), placed 21st out of 64 teams. In 2008, our team's robot placed 10th out of 64 teams and advanced to the championship round. In addition, for three years, we have received the Imagery Award which "celebrates attractiveness in engineering and outstanding visual aesthetic integration of machine and team appearance." For more information visit FIRST.