Members of the AYLUS Morris Branch had the unique opportunity to volunteer as event staff at the Highlander Summit 2025, held on Sunday, September 14, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The Highlander Summit is a nationally recognized VEX Robotics Signature Event that brings together high school robotics teams from across the United States and Canada to compete at a high level. The tournament serves as a qualifier for the VEX Robotics World Championships and attracts not only hundreds of students but also coaches, judges, and over a thousand spectators. Volunteering at such a large-scale and prestigious event allowed our members to contribute meaningfully to the success of the competition while also experiencing the excitement of a world-class robotics challenge.
As event staff, AYLUS Morris Branch members assisted with a wide variety of responsibilities that kept the competition running smoothly. These tasks included helping teams check in, directing participants to their pit areas, guiding attendees across NJIT’s campus, setting up and resetting competition fields, and assisting referees and judges during matches. Some members helped monitor the practice areas, while others worked with scorekeeping tablets and match flow. Each responsibility, no matter how small, played an important role in ensuring that matches proceeded efficiently and that teams and spectators had a positive experience.
Volunteering at the Highlander Summit also gave members firsthand exposure to the creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork that robotics competitions foster. Many were inspired by the technical ingenuity of the robots and the strategic thinking of the teams, sparking deeper interest in engineering and technology. Beyond supporting STEM education, our service aligned closely with AYLUS’s mission of leadership and community involvement. By dedicating their time and effort, members not only helped an important educational event succeed but also gained valuable lessons in responsibility, collaboration, and service.
Volunteers:
3.5 hours: Han Li, Shirley Nie
Advisors:
Xue Gu
Linna Wang