Fountain Inn High and Laurens District High Team Up for Robotics Success

A partnership between Fountain Inn High School (FIHS) and Laurens District High School (LDHS) has led to remarkable achievements in the world of competitive robotics. The collaboration, which began in the fall of 2022, has strengthened ROBOTZ Garage, the award-winning FIRST Robotics team, and expanded opportunities for students at both schools.

Building a Stronger Future Together

The partnership between FIHS and LDHS was a natural evolution of the team’s history. According to Rob Sheffield, a longtime mentor and coach, the team’s original workspace was at BOSCH/Rexroth in Fountain Inn, thanks to founding mentor Mike Bryan, who directed the company’s apprenticeship program. However, after BOSCH revised its policies, the team needed a new home.

Around the same time, FIHS opened its doors, eager to join the robotics community. With FIHS offering facilities and resources and LDHS contributing experienced upperclassmen, the collaboration created a win-win scenario for both schools. The timing was ideal, as Sheffield transitioned to teaching at FIHS after years at LDHS.

“When we build, we are not just Raiders or Fury; we are ROBOTZ Garage,” Sheffield emphasized. “Unless I told you who went to school where, you wouldn’t be able to tell. It’s a unified team with a shared vision.”

Equipping Students for Success

The goal of ROBOTZ Garage goes beyond winning competitions—it’s about preparing students for their futures. The program equips team members with technical and problem-solving skills essential for college, apprenticeships, and careers in engineering, manufacturing, and beyond.

“Our mission has always been to empower students with real-world skills, so they are prepared for whatever path they choose after high school,” said Sheffield. “This program gives them hands-on experience that directly translates to career readiness.”

Michelle Gibbs, lead teacher mentor from LDHS, also plays a key role in guiding students and supporting the program’s growth.

A Growing and Winning Team

Since the partnership’s start in 2022, ROBOTZ Garage has nearly doubled in size, growing from 16 to 30 members. The team’s success speaks for itself—they have qualified for the FIRST World Championships in both years of competition.

Last year, their robot finished the season as the number one ranked robot in South Carolina and seventh out of nearly 90 teams in the Peachtree District, which includes Georgia and South Carolina. Since 2015, ROBOTZ Garage has consistently reached the playoffs at the World Championships, placing them among the top one percent of robotics teams worldwide.

The Road Ahead

As the partnership continues to thrive, the FIHS and LDHS students are proving that teamwork, innovation, and determination can lead to incredible achievements. With a shared commitment to excellence in robotics and STEM education, this team is inspiring the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers—one robot at a time.