![A group of students are standing together and holding a trophy.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769109849/usmk12org/ryy6iweh1ujmk4acchi8/Screenshot2026-01-20at75250PM_WR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769109849/usmk12org/ryy6iweh1ujmk4acchi8/Screenshot2026-01-20at75250PM_WR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769109849/usmk12org/ryy6iweh1ujmk4acchi8/Screenshot2026-01-20at75250PM_WR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769109849/usmk12org/ryy6iweh1ujmk4acchi8/Screenshot2026-01-20at75250PM_WR.jpg","width":1000}])
A team of Middle School students from University School of Milwaukee competed in the 2026 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Wisconsin Championship on Sunday, Jan. 18, where they earned 2nd place in the Innovation Project Award category. Competing under the team name Daughters of Discovery, the players joined other top-performing teams from across Wisconsin, representing roughly the top 10% ranked FLL teams statewide.
The team members are: Skylar Johnson ’30, Solana Miner ’30, Tess Oplinger ’30, Mishee Singh ’30, and Nina Sugiyama-Carter ’30. They were supported by outstanding coaches Nicola De Torre, 8th grade science teacher; Matthew Gagnier, PK–8th grade academic technology coordinator; Ivana Renteria, Middle School librarian; and Ryan Bruce, parent volunteer—all of whom spent countless hours after school to assist them and other Middle School teams.
Team Daughters of Discovery reached the state championship after earning the first-place Innovation Award at the sectionals competition in December 2025. While at sectionals, the team was invited to present to all participants to kick off the award ceremony. They were also invited to participate in State Advocacy Day at the Wisconsin state Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 12 to share their project and the benefits of the FIRST program's core values (discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun) with legislators from across the state.
In addition to Daughters of Discovery, team Topography Trailblazers (Amare Howard ’30 and Brian McMahon ’30) also competed at sectionals.
About FIRST®
FIRST® LEGO® League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4 to 16 through fun, exciting, hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.
Every year, FIRST® LEGO® League releases a new challenge based on a real-world, scientific theme. This season’s challenge theme is called UNEARTHED™, which focuses on archaeology and uncovering human history.
