We’re proud to announce that SIX teams of students from the Neenah Joint School District have qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship based on their outstanding performances at the 2026 Wisconsin State VEX Robotics Competition. Neenah is now the home to both the middle school and high school VEX Robotics State Champs! These deserving students need your help to have the opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind event!

What is the Neenah Rocket Robotics Program?

The Neenah Rocket Robotics Program helps students in grades 5-12 develop their skills in the areas of engineering and computer programming by designing, building, coding, testing, and operating a robot to complete a series of challenges in VEX Robotics tournaments.

Our program has achieved great success this year, with 16 teams advancing to the 2026 Wisconsin State Competition, and six qualifying for the World’s Competition in St. Louis, Missouri, in April!

Six Deserving Teams

Neenah High School Team 6219B - Rock Em' Sock Em' Robot made up of Jack DeMenter and Jack Henry, earned their qualifications by winning the Excellence Award and finishing as Tournament Champion and winning Skills Champion.

Neenah High School Team 6219W – Tyrannosaurus VEX team of Graham Engelhardt, Jason Harris, Nolan Morrow, Noah Sabatke, and Elliott Seidling earned their qualification by finishing as Tournament Finalist.

Neenah High School Team 6219X – Charging… team of Sam Bontorno and Oliver Bontorno, earned their qualification by winning the Innovate Award.

Neenah High School Team 6219Z – SUB-ZERO team of Caleb Barczak, Joey Buttron, Nolan Manteufel, Joel Ostermeier, and Vinny Wilson, earned their qualifications by winning the Think Award and finishing as Tournament Finalist.

Neenah Middle School Team 44844E – Viscosity team of Ben Bontorno, Gus Goethel, Blake Hawley, and Deklan Portelli earned their qualifications by winning the Innovate Award and finishing Teamwork Champion.

Neenah Middle School Team 44844K – Synergy team of Oliver Breitzman, Hudson Hendries, Zack Liesener, and Wyatte Spice earned their qualifications by winning the Excellence Award and Skills Champion.

It Takes a Community to Support Our Students

One of the keys to building a successful robotics program is to have a strong support system that provides students with the types of equipment and competitive opportunities they need to advance their skills, compete with other programs, and prepare themselves for real-world applications.

Sponsorships Make the Difference

Your sponsorship of the Neenah Rocket Robotics Program will help these six teams reach the final step of this year’s challenge and grow their love of engineering, programming, and related skills, in addition to helping the communities and companies they’ll one day serve as adults. Each team is raising money to fund their $1800 team entrance fee, other tournament expenses and coaches travel costs. We appreciate any and all support!

Thank you for your support! See our Rocket Robotics Facebook page for more pictures and event updates.