☆ Help Me Represent Indiana at FIRST Worlds - Dean's List ☆

Help Me Represent Northwest Indiana at FIRST Worlds as a Dean’s List Finalist!

Hi! My name is Melina, from FRC Team Hammond 71 - THE BEAST , and I’m a passionate advocate, mentor, and future engineer from Northwest Indiana. I’m incredibly honored to have been selected as a Dean’s List Finalist for FIRST Indiana Robotics an award that recognizes student leaders who go above and beyond to make a difference in their teams, schools, and communities.

I’m one of only two students chosen from all of FIRST Indiana Robotics to represent the Northwest region at the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, which is happening in just a few days! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity means the world to me.

I’m so grateful for the incredible mentors and teammates who’ve shaped my journey. FIRST has empowered me to lead with confidence, think fearlessly, and turn challenges into opportunities. It’s not just a program it’s a home that has fueled my passion and purpose.

Through robotics, I’ve discovered my love for engineering, strengthened my voice as an advocate, and grown into a leader who lifts others up. One of the values I live by is this:

“Grow with the flowers that stand tall with you, not with the weeds that overtake you.” —Melina M., 2024

FIRST helped me find the people who inspire me to grow, reach higher, and lead with heart.

To make this trip happen, I’m raising $4,000 to cover the cost of transportation, housing, and meals. Any amount big or small helps me get one step closer to Houston, where I’ll be learning alongside world-class innovators and networking with global leaders in STEM and education.

This experience isn’t just about me it’s about what I can bring back to my community. With your support, I’ll return with fresh ideas, powerful tools, and renewed purpose to keep mentoring, advocating, and uplifting the next generation of changemakers especially the kids who need it most.

I hope my story reminds others that no dream is too big when you're driven by curiosity and supported by a community that believes in you. I’m proud to represent Northwest Indiana and excited to celebrate the power of youth leadership at Worlds!

Please consider donating and sharing this page to help me reach the finish line. Your support truly means everything.

With all my heart,

Melina M - Friendliest BEAST In Indiana

Student Board of Directors for FIRST Indiana