Denbigh Aviation Academy students take 8th in national robotics competition
Published July 6, 2026
Three teams of students representing the Denbigh High School Aviation Academy competed at the National Technology Student Association Conference June 22-26 in Washington, D.C.
The team of 2026 graduates Teofilio Henderson-Saunders and Tationa Ward and rising eleventh grader David Fiedler placed eighth in the national competition’s robotics category. They qualified by winning the state competition on May 2 at Virginia State University.
The state second place team consisting of rising eleventh graders Amir Ali Alizada, Sulaiman Etebari, Khamani James and rising tenth grader Jacob Theodore; and state fourth place team comprised of rising eleventh graders Aiden Carter, Jayden Flanagan, Joshua Utkin and Jonathan Wigglesworth, also competed at nationals.
Because the state’s third-place finishing team was unable to attend the national competition, the fourth place team from Denbigh took its place. So all three teams representing Virginia were from Newport News Public Schools.
“This accomplishment reflects the exceptional dedication, teamwork and perseverance of our students throughout the competition season,” said Stephen Millner, Aviation Academy teacher and TSA advisor.
“Having all three Virginia teams competing in the TSA National Robotics event represent Denbigh High School is a remarkable achievement, and speaks to the continued strength and growth of our engineering and robotics program.”
