Team Phoenix 2342 earned the coveted Governor's Cup award during the eighth annual FIRST NH Governor’s Cup competition on Oct. 4 at Plymouth State University. Courtesy photo/FIRST NH

NASHUA – Team Phoenix 2342 earned one of the highest distinctions at the eighth annual FIRST NH Governor’s Cup on Oct. 4 at Plymouth State University.

Team Phoenix was named the Southern New Hampshire recipient of the Governor’s Cup Award, the top honor recognizing teams that best represent the spirit of FIRST through innovation, teamwork, outreach and robot excellence. Each year, one deserving team is selected from the state’s north, central and southern regions.

As part of this honor, Team Phoenix’s seven senior students each received a one-semester scholarship to any New Hampshire public university or community college. Scholarship recipients include Abhinav Khandeshi, Alton Craig, Jaymier Rivera, Justin Harding, Justin Moon, Nathan Peters and Ryan Smith.

Harding also received an individual $2,000 Governor’s Cup Scholarship for his leadership and contributions as the team’s business lead.

“Winning the Governor’s Cup is an incredible honor and a reflection of how much our team has grown,” said Harding. “This season, so many new students jumped right in, volunteering at outreach events, helping younger teams, and representing Phoenix in the community from day one. The momentum and energy we’ve built over the past few years has been amazing to see, and it’s inspiring to watch our team continue to grow stronger together.”

During the competition, Team Phoenix’s robot performed exceptionally, finishing seventh overall after qualification matches and earning selection as the first pick of Alliance 4, led by Team 238 Crusaders of Manchester and Team 1058 PVC Pirates of Londonderry. The alliance advanced to Round 4 of the playoffs after several exciting matches.

The event opened with remarks from New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and FIRST Founder Dean Kamen. They both spoke passionately about the value of STEM education and innovation in shaping New Hampshire’s future.