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Inspiration All Star

Joseph Vanderway

About

B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; FIRST Woodie Flowers Finalist – Los Angeles, 2007; FIRST Regional Outstanding Volunteer – 2009

Wisdom: I believe the way to solve our problems is to move forward, to learn, to grow and expand our understanding of the universe and ourselves. The best way I can think of doing this is to encourage young people to be curious, to want to know, and to learn to work together. Competitive robotics does just that.
Award: Teacher of the Year
Year: 2008
Team: TEAM: Team 599 | Robodox
Organization: Granada Hills Charter High School
Location: California, USA
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
REC Foundation Logo White
VEX Robotics World Championship landscape logo
Teams check scores at VEX Robotics World Championship
App | VEX Robotics World Championship
Teams are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel between Dallas airports and their hotel. Information about ground transportation services can be found on the airports' websites.
Judges observe participants at VEX Robotics World Championship
Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…