P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville recently announced that Leigh Anne Brewster, Engineering Pathway Lead Instructor and FIRST Robotics Competition coach, has been honored with the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award (WFFA) at the 2026 Tallahassee Regional FIRST Robotics Competition held April 15-18.
According to a P.K. Yonge press release, the WFFA is one of the “highest honors in the FIRST Robotics Competition community.” It is “presented to mentors who lead, inspire, and empower students through communication, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.”
Every year, students can nominate one mentor from their team to be considered for the WFFA by submitting an essay, according to the Woodie Flowers Award (WFA) website. FIRST will then honor one adult mentor at each regional competition to receive the award.
As its lead mentor, the release states that Brewster has “transformed” P.K. Yonge’s Roaring Riptide robotics team into a “mission-driven community focused on engineering, leadership, and service.” Under her direction, students not only design and create competitive robots, but they also engage in meaningful outreach initiatives that consist of the design, development and distribution of free assistive technology devices for individuals with disabilities.
“Leigh Anne’s leadership goes far beyond robotics,” said Dr. Carrie Geiger, P.K. Yonge director, in the release. “She has built a culture where students are challenged to think critically, lead with empathy, and use their skills to make a difference. This recognition is a testament to the profound impact she has on her students and our school community.”
The release said Brewster’s robotics program “emphasizes real-world application of engineering principles, collaboration and student leadership.” Through initiatives like the team’s assistive technology outreach, students have created and delivered hundreds of adaptive devices and toys to families at no cost, reinforcing the program’s commitment to community impact.
“This award reflects what our students believe – that we are building ‘More than Robots,’” Brewster said in the release. “We’re building leaders, problem-solvers, and people who care deeply about others. Everything we do is rooted in the idea that engineering can and should improve lives, and I’m incredibly proud of the impact our team is making in our community. At the end of the day, it’s not about the robot; it’s about who our students become. If they leave here with both the mind of an engineer and the heart to use it for others, then we’ve done something that truly matters.”