Lockport High School junior Trent McCarthy, president of the school’s Warlocks 1507 Robotics team, has been selected to compete in the largest international robotics event of the year, hosted by FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
McCarthy was selected for the FIRST Dean’s List Award, and this week he will travel to Houston, Texas, to compete alongside top talent from around the world. The FIRST® Championship serves as a culmination of the youth robotics competition season, celebrating the ingenuity and passion of young innovators in science and technology.
McCarthy has participated in FIRST® programs since he was in fifth grade. He began in the First Lego League (FLL) and worked his way up to being on the Warlocks.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been nominated by my team for FIRST® Dean’s List. Being recognized in this way is a testament to the hard work and dedication of not only myself, but also my entire team,” McCarthy said. “I am glad that my leadership has been recognized, and I want to assure my team that I will continue to lead with the same passion and dedication as always. This nomination serves as motivation to continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and I am committed to helping our team reach its full potential.”
McCarthy’s journey to the international stage began with the nomination process, where mentors from the Warlocks 1507 Robotics team crafted compelling essays highlighting his contributions to the team. McCarthy underwent rigorous preparation for his interview with the judging panel at the Finger Lakes Regional competition, showcasing his technical expertise and leadership skills.
Jeffrey Rogowski, LHS technology teacher and Warlocks mentor, said McCarthy has the chance to be selected “the world’s top choice for Dean’s list.”
“Trent enjoys making an impact on the students he mentors. He has inspired other students to join our team once they start high school,” Rogowski added. “We are proud of the leadership Trent has shown and know that he will be a go-to person for many years to come.”
For the Warlocks, McCarthy serves on the programming, electrical, and media sub-teams. Following his 2025 graduation, his future plans include earning an accelerated Master’s degree in Computer Science.