National Robotics Champion and Aspiring Tech Innovator 

Meet Diego, a 6th-grade student from Fort Collins, Colorado, whose remarkable achievements in robotics and coding have already made him a standout in the world of technology. Diego, a dedicated student at Colorado Preparatory Academy, started his first year of middle school with an impressive accomplishment: a National 1st place win in the K12 Robotics Competition. 

This past summer, Diego competed alongside 411 students from across the country in the highly competitive event. After months of preparation and countless hours of practice, Diego’s team, Team Viper, made it to the final round, where they competed in person in Washington DC. As one of the top 11 semi-finalist teams, they ultimately secured a victory in their grade band, earning a well-deserved 1st place trophy. This achievement not only speaks to Diego’s technical skills but also to his ability to work collaboratively and think creatively under pressure. 

Diego’s passion for coding and technology began at a young age. A self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, Diego has been honing his coding skills for years. Currently, he’s working on a new way to play the classic game of Tic-Tac-Toe, demonstrating his ability to think outside the box and innovate within the world of programming. With experience in coding languages such as Scratch and JavaScript, Diego is already well on his way to mastering the tools of the future. 

When asked about his experience with virtual learning at Colorado Preparatory Academy, Diego shared, “It’s been fun… Middle school has been great.”  

Online schooling has allowed Diego to explore his interests in coding at his own pace. The personalized approach to learning at Colorado Preparatory Academy, which allows students to work through lessons based on their understanding, has been essential in helping him progress as a young coder. Additionally, the school’s live virtual instruction provides him with the guidance and support he needs, ensuring that he stays on track while diving deeper into subjects he’s passionate about.

For Diego, the K12 Robotics Competition was more than just a chance to showcase his coding skills, it was a way for him to apply what he’s learned and challenge himself in a real-world setting. Looking forward, Diego is already setting his sights on next year’s competition. Determined to take home 1st place again, he is excited to continue developing his coding skills and exploring new ways to innovate within the world of technology. Diego’s journey is just beginning, and he hopes his story can inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter where their interests lie.