We couldn’t be prouder of Team 217, the ThunderChickens — a high school robotics team from Sterling Heights who just wrapped up a stellar season on the competition floor.
At the Macomb District Event, they put on a show:
- 9–7 match record
- Ranked 8th overall
- First pick of the #1 alliance
- Fought hard into the semifinals
- Earned 94 district points — enough to qualify for the Michigan State Championships
On top of all that, they took home the Gracious Professionalism Award for the 12th time, a big honor given to teams who compete with integrity, teamwork, and community spirit.
ThunderChickens Go Beyond the Robot
One of the things that really stood out to the judges — and to us — is how much this team gives back. Here’s what the judges had to say:
“This team is not AFRAID to help others. While SPREADING THEIR WINGS for food drives, FLL competitions, and making greeting cards, they graciously impact their community.”
And they meant it.
- Not afraid to help others: These students don’t just focus on their own success. Whether it’s helping another team fix their robot mid-event or mentoring new members, they’re always ready to lend a hand.
- Food drives: The ThunderChickens organize local donation drives to help families in need. They care about the people around them, not just points on the board.
- FLL competitions: They volunteer at FIRST LEGO League events — mentoring elementary and middle school teams just starting in robotics. It’s how they share their knowledge and help keep the future of STEM strong.
- Greeting cards: Yes, really. They’ve made and sent cards to hospitals, senior centers, and local groups — simple acts of kindness that remind us what true community looks like.
We couldn’t be prouder of Team 217, the ThunderChickens — a high school robotics team from Sterling Heights who just wrapped up a stellar season on the competition floor.
At the Macomb District Event, they put on a show:
- 9–7 match record
- Ranked 8th overall
- First pick of the #1 alliance
- Fought hard into the semifinals
- Earned 94 district points — enough to qualify for the Michigan State Championships
That’s what Gracious Professionalism is all about: competing hard, helping others, and doing good wherever you can. We see those same values in our own team at Roofing Above All — and that’s why we’re proud to back this crew.
What Is FIRST Robotics?
FIRST Robotics is one of the toughest and most exciting competitions out there for high school students. Teams have just six weeks to design, build, and program a fully functional robot that can compete in a brand-new game each year.
It’s fast-paced, pressure-filled, and full of real-life lessons — the kind you don’t always get in a classroom.
ThunderChickens at States
With their strong showing at Macomb, the ThunderChickens earned a spot at the Michigan State Championships, held in April at Saginaw Valley State University. There, they competed against the top robotics teams in the state and represented our community with grit, skill, and class.
We’re proud of how they competed — and even prouder of how they carried themselves.
Want to Keep Up with the Team?
Give them a follow and see how they keep building, mentoring, and giving back all year round:
Why We Back the ThunderChickens
At Roofing Above All, we build more than just roofs — we build community.
The students on this team are learning how to lead, solve problems under pressure, communicate, and support each other. These are the same values we bring to every job site. Whether you’re flying drones over shingles or mentoring the next foreman, it all begins with teamwork, expertise, and a strong work ethic.
That’s why we’re proud to sponsor and support teams like the ThunderChickens.
Because when we invest in the next generation of builders, leaders, and innovators — everybody wins.