Our Mission
Gracious Youth exists to give local students real, hands-on experience in engineering and technology. Through FIRST Tech Challenge, young people design, build, program, and compete with robots while developing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and gracious professionalism.
Our Story
What began as a small group of curious students has grown, from FLL to FTC, season after season into an accomplished competitive team with a growing community presence. Each robot—from Arthur D2 to Mantis—represents students learning, iterating, and reaching further, culminating in presentations at the FIRST World Championship in 2024 and 2025. Since 2019, the team has won numerous awards including Inspire, Motivate, Connect, Innovate, Control, Compass, Promote and most recently the Think Award at the Run for the Robots Premier Event in Kentucky in the 2025 Season.
In addition to competing at the robotics tournaments, Team Excaliper is focused on outreach to the local community through meeting with various groups, teaching about robotics including building and programming.
FIRST Core Values
Discovery
We explore new skills and ideas together.
Innovation
We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact
We apply what we learn to improve the world.
Inclusion
We respect each other and welcome new members.
Teamwork
We're stronger when we work together.
Fun
We enjoy and celebrate what we do.
Gracious Youth is powered by dedicated students, mentors, and volunteers who guide the team through every season.
Adult Mentors
Volunteer mentors provide guidance in engineering, programming, and organization while students lead the work.
Student Leaders
Student leaders coordinate build, code, outreach, and strategy across the season.
Families & Volunteers
Parents and community volunteers support travel, events, and day-to-day operations.