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Pella High School Bionic Dutch Advance to Iowa FTC State Robotics Championships
Team earns third consecutive state tournament berth, honored with Connect Award
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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For the third year in a row, the Pella High School Bionic Dutch robotics team has qualified for the Iowa FTC State Robotics Championships, which begin today. The team secured their spot through a strong performance in the qualification tournament, and were also recognized with the prestigious Connect Award for their year-long efforts to engage the community, students, and local businesses in STEM education.
Why it matters
The Bionic Dutch's continued success at the state level highlights the strength of Pella's robotics program and the district's commitment to providing students with hands-on STEM learning opportunities. The Connect Award further demonstrates the team's dedication to sharing their passion for robotics and engineering with the broader community.
The details
Coach Brent Ewell said the team's overall performance in the qualification tournament earned them a spot in the championship bracket at the state competition in Coralville. In addition to the state tournament berth, the Bionic Dutch were recognized with the Connect Award, which honors their year-long efforts to engage the community, students, and local businesses in STEM education and activities.
- The Iowa FTC State Robotics Championships begin today, February 27, 2026.
- This marks the third consecutive year the Pella High School Bionic Dutch have qualified for the state tournament.
The players
Pella High School Bionic Dutch
The robotics team from Pella High School in Pella, Iowa, which has qualified for the Iowa FTC State Robotics Championships for the third consecutive year.
Brent Ewell
The coach of the Pella High School Bionic Dutch robotics team.
Chetan Vanam
A member of the Pella High School Bionic Dutch robotics team who was recognized as a Dean's List Leadership Finalist, with final results to be announced at the State Championship.
What they’re saying
“For the third consecutive year, the Pella High School Bionic Dutch have earned a spot at the Iowa FTC State Robotics Championships, which start today.”
— Brent Ewell, Coach (kniakrls.com)
What’s next
The final results of the Dean's List Leadership award for Chetan Vanam will be announced at the Iowa FTC State Robotics Championships.
The takeaway
Pella High School's robotics program, the Bionic Dutch, has demonstrated its excellence by qualifying for the Iowa state tournament three years in a row. The team's commitment to engaging the community in STEM education has also been recognized with the prestigious Connect Award, showcasing the district's dedication to providing students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
