Each year, FIRST Robotics Competition Teams may name two sophomores or juniors as Dean’s List Semi-Finalists. Dean’s List is the only individual student award in FIRST, recognizing exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and passion for the FIRST mission. This year, Ferradermis has selected sophomores Sam Raupp and Vivian Harris for the award. The coaches have submitted a series of short essays to capture what each student brings to the team, and the students will now prepare to interview at an upcoming competition to become one of Wisconsin’s two Dean’s Lists Finalists. Finalists then compete at the World Championships in Houston in April.
Sam Raupp
Sam consistently embodies Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition by leading with empathy, inclusion, and service. As Outreach Subteam Lead, they focus on making robotics welcoming and accessible, whether mentoring FLL students, guiding families during open houses, or presenting at FRC Training Day specifically on helping new members feel included. They regularly volunteer at FLL and FTC events, supporting teams both on and off the field while modeling respect and teamwork. Sam also helps bring fun and spirit to the team through roles such as mascot, media team member, and choir performer at competition events. Their leadership reflects FIRST Core Values by combining discovery, teamwork, and impact with a genuine commitment to uplifting others.
Sam has played a significant role in expanding awareness of FIRST throughout the school and community. They represent the team at STEAM nights, city markets, freshman activity fairs, robotics week events, and back-to-school demonstrations, often serving as a tour guide and spokesperson. Their involvement with the SLATE educational technology conference as a representative of FIRST Wisconsin, FLL mentoring, and regional volunteering helps connect younger students and families to FIRST programs. Sam’s commitment extends beyond competition season through consistent outreach, fundraising, and community service. They plan to remain engaged with FIRST by continuing mentorship and advocacy efforts, ensuring future students feel welcomed and supported just as they were.
Sam’s individual contributions directly strengthen the team’s culture, sustainability, and growth. As Outreach Subteam Lead, they organize and support events that increase recruitment, retention, and community support. Their work on impact presentations, rebranding efforts, and media outreach has improved how the team communicates its mission. Sam also supports fundraising initiatives, parent engagement, and event logistics, helping ensure the team has the resources needed to compete. By frequently initiating meeting wrap-ups and reflection, they help the team stay focused, organized, and collaborative. Their efforts allow the entire team to succeed both on and off the field.
While Sam’s focus is outreach and impact, they have actively developed STEM skills through hands-on team involvement. They assisted with building the practice field, gaining experience in fabrication and design. Their work in media and branding includes applying design principles and problem-solving skills to communicate technical concepts clearly. They work with Canva to create graphics, lead the team in video production, and are the expert in operating the vinyl cutter. Sam’s exposure to competition environments through volunteering and drive team participation has strengthened their understanding of how engineering, strategy, and teamwork intersect. They continue to grow their STEM knowledge by learning from mentors and teammates and applying those lessons across team initiatives.
Sam leads through encouragement, organization, and example. As Outreach Subteam Lead and frequent presenter, they motivate others by creating an inclusive environment where all members feel valued. Sam’s leadership style is collaborative and service-oriented, focused on supporting others rather than seeking recognition. Even though they knew they could not attend our latest Girl Scout event, they planned all of the activities so their teammates would be fully prepared. In December, they took the lead in collecting money and buying gifts for a family in need, helping team members extend their impact beyond STEM. By mentoring younger students, presenting to parents, and guiding new members, they inspire confidence and foster a sense of belonging across the team and community.
Beyond robotics, Sam is actively involved in community service and the arts, volunteering at local festivals and for service projects. They are a dedicated member of their 4-H club, exhibiting multiple projects each year. Their ability to balance academics, service, and leadership demonstrates strong time management and dedication. Sam brings energy, creativity, and compassion to everything they do, making them a positive role model within FIRST and beyond.
Vivian Harris
Vivian embodies Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through hands-on leadership, mentorship, and a willingness to serve wherever needed. They actively support younger students by mentoring FLL teams and volunteering at FLL and FTC events, including planning inclusive scavenger hunts that help make competitions engaging and fun. Vivian approaches robotics with curiosity and collaboration, attending FRC Training Days to continue learning and improving. Their early involvement as a drive team member and construction specialist reflects a commitment to teamwork, discovery, and excellence. By balancing technical focus with service and inclusion, Vivian consistently demonstrates the FIRST Core Values in action.
Vivian has significantly increased awareness of FIRST through early initiative and sustained outreach. As a freshman, they played a large role in organizing all Robotics Week activities for the school, demonstrating confidence and ownership early in their robotics journey. They’ve helped lead community demonstrations at parades, school events, and fairs. Their mentorship of an FLL team solidified FIRST programming at a remote location, expanding access for younger students. Vivian also presented at kickoff workshops and led activities at outreach events such as Girl Scout and migrant education programs. Their long-term commitment is evident through continued drive team involvement, mentoring, and plans to remain engaged in FIRST through technical mentorship and outreach beyond high school.
Vivian’s individual contributions have had a direct and measurable impact on the team’s success. As a construction specialist, they contributed to critical robot components such as bumpers and supported multiple drive teams across offseason and in-season events. Their experience on the drive team strengthened team performance through strategic awareness and quick problem-solving while also strengthening their personal understanding of engineering systems and iterative improvement. Vivian also improves team engagement by designing interactive activities for younger programs and supporting outreach logistics. Their ability to combine technical work with mentoring and outreach helps the team succeed both competitively and culturally.
Vivian demonstrates strong mastery of STEM through hands-on engineering and competition experience. They specialize in construction and fabrication, operating CNC and other large-scale equipment in the shop. They built on their CAD skills considerably in the off-season, helping them develop an understanding of mechanical design and durability so they could contribute to the design of robot components. This year, they led the team that constructed all of the practice field elements. Vivian joined drive teams for multiple offseason events even before their freshman year, gaining early exposure to robot control, strategy, and troubleshooting. Their STEM growth is driven by curiosity, practice, and a commitment to learning through real-world application.
Vivian leads by example through action, initiative, and mentorship. As a mentor to younger students, they motivate others by teaching skills, encouraging curiosity, and modeling perseverance. Vivian’s leadership style is hands-on and collaborative, focused on helping teammates succeed through shared effort. As a team, we’ve never been able to get a student FLL mentor to our remote elementary school; Vivian set an example and solved this problem by just simply doing it. This year, they led one of the design discussion teams on kick-off day. Whether presenting workshops, supporting drive teams, or assisting at outreach events, they inspire others by showing that leadership comes from commitment and follow-through, not just titles.
In addition to robotics, Vivian is active in community service, the arts, and athletics, balancing robotics with roles in the fall musical and spring play along with cross country and wrestling as a freshman. Their early dedication to robotics, combined with strong technical skills and a service mindset, demonstrates maturity and focus. Vivian consistently seeks opportunities to learn, lead, and give back, making them a strong role model within the FIRST community.