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Inspiration All Star

Preston Richey

About
Preston Richey accepts the Inspiration All Star Award at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship
Details
Award: Inspiration All Star
Year: 2025
Title: Volunteer Mentor
Organization: Bear River High School
Team: Bear River Robotics
Location: Utah

Preston Richey has dedicated over a decade to supporting VEX Robotics programs in Utah, most recently as a key figure in the Bear River High School robotics community. With a professional background that spans engineering and global experience, Richey brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a strong commitment to student development.

Richey is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of financial or personal circumstances, have the opportunity to participate in robotics. Motivated by his own experience growing up, he prioritizes inclusion and works to remove barriers to access. He routinely provides meals for students during team scrimmages and takes a personal interest in identifying and supporting those who might otherwise be left out.

His philosophy—“even when we lose, we win”—underscores the values he instills in students. Richey emphasizes sportsmanship, perseverance, and personal growth, helping students process challenges and setbacks in constructive ways. Under his mentorship, students learn that robotics is not only about competition but also about learning, collaboration, and resilience.

Beyond the technical aspects of robotics, Richey fosters a culture of friendship, respect, and teamwork. His efforts have helped create an environment where students feel supported and connected, both on and off the field.

Through his continued service and dedication, Preston Richey exemplifies what it means to be an inspirational educator and mentor in STEM. His impact extends well beyond Bear River High School, shaping the culture of robotics education throughout the state of Utah.

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
VEX Robotics World Championship landscape logo