GSSM Underwater Robotics Team Ranks in Top 18% Worldwide at International Competition

Photo: GSSM’s Here Comes the Boom team poses at the 2025 International SeaPerch Challenge in College Park, Maryland. Representing the Southeast Region, the team placed 13th overall in the global competition, ranking in the top 18% of high school teams. From left to right: Dr. Stephen Kaczkowski, Dr. Haiqing Kaczkowski, Arpan Bansal, Joseph George, Quin Toussaint, Isaac Kanagy, Jonathan Slade, Anya Orlova, Delbert Siuhi, Dr. Gary Salazar, Brayden Hutchinson. 

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (June 4, 2025) — An underwater robotics team from the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) made a splash on the global stage this past weekend, ranking in the top 18% at the 2025 International SeaPerch Challenge in College Park, Maryland.

Held at the University of Maryland from May 31 to June 1, the prestigious competition brought together 181 teams from five countries and regions—including China, Kuwait, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Representing the Southeast Region, GSSM’s Here Comes the Boom competed in the High School Stock Class against 71 other teams from around the world.

The team earned:

• 19th place in the Pool–Obstacle Course
• 10th place in the Pool–Mission Course
• 30th place in the Technical Design Report
• 13th place overall, placing them in the top 18% globally

While not included in the final score, the team’s oral presentation also stood out. The lead judge called it “the best of all presentations.”

“This wasn’t just about building a robot,” said Dr. Haiqing Kaczkowski, GSSM engineering instructor and club advisor. “Our students applied core engineering and science principles to tackle real-world challenges. They demonstrated passion, creativity, perseverance, and a remarkable ability to collaborate and learn from one another.”

GSSM’s SeaPerch Club, launched in October 2024 through student initiative, grew rapidly in just a few months. Despite limited experience, tight academic schedules, and restricted access to building materials, students formed four teams, and Here Comes the Boom emerged as regional champions in March. The momentum carried them to their debut at the international competition.

To prepare, nine students from across all four original teams joined forces, refining their remotely operated vehicle (ROV) design and training at the local YMCA pool. Their performance improved by more than 50% compared to the regionals—an extraordinary leap in just two months.

Team members included:

Arpan Bansal (Fort Mill), Matthew Bodnar (York), Brayden Hutchinson (Newberry), Joseph George (Fort Mill), Isaac Kanagy (Seneca), Anya Orlova (Inman), Delbert Siuhi (Lexington), Jonathan Slade (Camden), and Quin Toussaint (Walhalla).

“A true Govie embraces challenges with enthusiasm and determination, especially when tackling something others might see as difficult,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “The GSSM SeaPerch team embodied that spirit perfectly. With no precedent for an underwater robotics team, these students saw the opportunity, seized the challenge, and made history. True to Govie fashion, they stepped up, excelled, and set the bar high. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their second year of competition!”

The students also had the opportunity to engage with peers from across the globe, observe innovative designs, and gain inspiration for future STEM careers.

“As we reflect on this incredible achievement, we’re already looking ahead,” said Dr. Kaczkowski. “We’re planning next year’s club activities and course offerings, and we can’t wait to see what these students do next.”

GSSM extends its heartfelt thanks to the students’ families, the local YMCA, and all supporters who helped make this journey possible.