Burton Glen Alumni Lead the Charge for Team TESLA
National Heritage AcademiesNational Heritage Academies
Articles by National Heritage
This past spring the machine shop was buzzing with a powerful bridge between past and present. Alumni from Burton Glen Charter Academy have returned to their roots, joining forces with a current student and teammates from Genesee Early College to lead Team TESLA (Technology, Engineering, Science, Leadership, and Academics) through a high-stakes title defense.
For Team TESLA, robotics isn't just a seasonal hobby, it’s a family and community legacy that doesn't end at graduation. This year’s roster highlighted the enduring connection Burton Glen graduates maintain with their school, as Alumni Riley Code, Zyhir Stegall, and Sema’J Jackson have transitioned from students to mentors-in-practice, working side-by-side with current eighth-grade student Keira Code.
This multi-generational commitment is truly a family affair, guided by the technical expertise of coach Rob Code—father to Riley and Keira—and supported by Burton Glen’s Office Administrator (and proud grandma) Lisa Code, who manages everything from marketing strategy to sewing the robot's protective bumpers.
The hard work of our alumni and scholars is already paying off in a major way. Team TESLA recently dominated the floor at the District/Regional Competition (March 20–22), where they walked away with the prestigious Imagery Award. This honor celebrates the team's excellence in visual aesthetics, integration of the "TESLA" brand, and professional-grade marketing, much of which was spearheaded by the alumni. Sema’J Jackson, for instance, took the lead on designing the team’s official website, proving that the "A" in TESLA (Academics and Arts) is a core strength of the program.
While the team relied on theNational Heritage Academies® (NHA®) February Moral Focus™ Virtue of Courage to navigate the intense build schedule and technical failures, they entered April with a new focus: Compassion. In the world of FIRST® Robotics, this is often called "Gracious Professionalism." It’s the spirit of helping a rival team fix their robot in the pits so everyone can compete at their best. Our alumni are modeling this daily, showing younger students that true success isn't just about winning a trophy; it's about supporting your teammates and the wider robotics community with a kind and helping hand.
"Last year, we had a very veteran-heavy team, but those students have since graduated. This year’s team is a lot younger. Watching them embrace that challenge is where you really see their growth,” said Anna MacDonald, Robotics Supervisor.
The 115-pound machine has proven it can compete with the best. After a strong showing at the Troy District Event (March 27–29), the team is proud of the work they have done this 2025-26 season. The grit and heart shown by Keira, Riley, Zyhir, Sema’J, and the entire crew prove they aren't just building a robot; they're building a legacy of resilience and community.
Way to go, Team TESLA and our incredible Burton Glen Alumni. You continue to make us proud every time you step onto the field!
For Team TESLA, robotics isn't just a seasonal hobby, it’s a family and community legacy that doesn't end at graduation. This year’s roster highlighted the enduring connection Burton Glen graduates maintain with their school, as Alumni Riley Code, Zyhir Stegall, and Sema’J Jackson have transitioned from students to mentors-in-practice, working side-by-side with current eighth-grade student Keira Code.
This multi-generational commitment is truly a family affair, guided by the technical expertise of coach Rob Code—father to Riley and Keira—and supported by Burton Glen’s Office Administrator (and proud grandma) Lisa Code, who manages everything from marketing strategy to sewing the robot's protective bumpers.
The hard work of our alumni and scholars is already paying off in a major way. Team TESLA recently dominated the floor at the District/Regional Competition (March 20–22), where they walked away with the prestigious Imagery Award. This honor celebrates the team's excellence in visual aesthetics, integration of the "TESLA" brand, and professional-grade marketing, much of which was spearheaded by the alumni. Sema’J Jackson, for instance, took the lead on designing the team’s official website, proving that the "A" in TESLA (Academics and Arts) is a core strength of the program.
While the team relied on theNational Heritage Academies® (NHA®) February Moral Focus™ Virtue of Courage to navigate the intense build schedule and technical failures, they entered April with a new focus: Compassion. In the world of FIRST® Robotics, this is often called "Gracious Professionalism." It’s the spirit of helping a rival team fix their robot in the pits so everyone can compete at their best. Our alumni are modeling this daily, showing younger students that true success isn't just about winning a trophy; it's about supporting your teammates and the wider robotics community with a kind and helping hand.
"Last year, we had a very veteran-heavy team, but those students have since graduated. This year’s team is a lot younger. Watching them embrace that challenge is where you really see their growth,” said Anna MacDonald, Robotics Supervisor.
The 115-pound machine has proven it can compete with the best. After a strong showing at the Troy District Event (March 27–29), the team is proud of the work they have done this 2025-26 season. The grit and heart shown by Keira, Riley, Zyhir, Sema’J, and the entire crew prove they aren't just building a robot; they're building a legacy of resilience and community.
Way to go, Team TESLA and our incredible Burton Glen Alumni. You continue to make us proud every time you step onto the field!