P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School junior Brycelynn Rivera was recently awarded the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Dean’s List Finalist Award.
The award honors student leaders who led their teams and communities to increase awareness for FIRST and its mission, which champions core values such as inclusion and embodies gracious professionalism.
Rivera is one of two winners who were recognized from the Orlando Regional as regional finalists to compete at the FIRST World Championship. Between 60-120 nominees are typically at the regional event. The FIRST Dean’s List Award honors two students from each district or regional competition.
She will compete at the FIRST World Championships from April 16-19 in Houston, Texas.
“The FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Award is an honor for Brycelynn to receive,” said Dr. Lynda Fender Hayes, P.K. Yonge interim director, in a press release. “This award recognizes students for core values, technical expertise, and passion. Brycelynn embodies the PK ‘we over me’ mindset and we are so proud to have her as a part of our Blue Wave student body,”
Rivera led the Roaring Riptide team as it developed the season theme, “the ripple starts with us,” and she motivated her peers to create a powerful narrative.
“So, what does being on Riptide actually mean? Well, it means having the heart to put others before yourself. It means not being afraid to stand up for what’s right, even if the vast majority are against you,” said Rivera in a press release.
Rivera’s passion with the P.K. Yonge FRC 4118 Roaring Riptide robotics team focuses on the team’s #FIRSTwithAT initiative that adapts toys for children with limited motor differences. Here work with assistive technology has inspired other members to expand the holiday toy Adapt-a-Thon that reaches more than 130 North Central Florida children.
The P.K. Yonge student mentored new team members during Adapt-a-Thon and taught them to build accessible button switches and adapt toys. As the Assistive Technology Lead, Rivera managed both the creation and delivery of 500 Tidal Wave AT Kits at the FIRST World Championships.
“Her leadership, creativity, and dedication have had a profound impact on her team and community,” said Leigh Anne Brewster, P.K. Yonge engineering teacher and Roaring Riptide coach, in a press release.
Rivera is part of the National Technical Honor Society and holds a 4.2 weighted GPA. She has over 500 volunteer hours for her work with 4118 at demos, conferences and with P.K. Yonge team’s assistive technology.
P.K. Yonge last received this recognition in 2015 for Logan Hickox (PKY 2016 graduate).