Riverdale Academy is making waves in STEM education with the introduction of its first-ever high school SeaPerch teams.

The newly formed teams, The Sassy Sea Sirens and The Bass Masters, are diving into hands-on engineering and underwater robotics this school year. Members of The Sassy Sea Sirens include Kenna Coleman, Lily McCoy, Addi Nettles, and Maddi Nettles, while Claylen Fowler and Bryden Wheeler make up The Bass Masters.

SeaPerch is a national program developed by the Office of Naval Research that challenges students to design, build, and operate their own remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The initiative introduces students to key concepts in engineering, design, and physical science, while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity through real-world applications.

By guiding students through the full process—from brainstorming and design to construction and testing—SeaPerch promotes essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. Teams will have the opportunity to compete regionally and potentially qualify for national competitions, showcasing their technical abilities and creativity.

Riverdale Academy plans to expand the program even further with middle school SeaPerch teams launching soon. The school’s motto for the program says it all:
“Build a Bot. Change the World.”

Source: Riverdale Academy Facebook page