RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners honored the Hunterdon Central Regional High School Varsity Robotics Team for its achievements during the 2026 season, including competing at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston.
The team, known as the Daleks, was recognized during the commissioners’ Sept. 15 meeting. Commissioner Director John E. Lanza presented the team with a proclamation recognizing its skill, innovation, teamwork, sportsmanship and commitment to STEM education and community service.
“The accomplishments of the Daleks are an extraordinary source of pride for Hunterdon County,” said Lanza. “These students have demonstrated not only tremendous technical ability, creativity, and perseverance, but also the importance of teamwork, service, and good sportsmanship. Competing on the world stage is an incredible achievement, and the entire Board of County Commissioners congratulates these students, their coaches, mentors, families, and everyone who has supported them.”
The Daleks qualified for the FIRST Robotics World Championship, where approximately 600 teams competed from more than 3,500 internationally active teams, according to the county.
Nearly 50 Hunterdon Central students in grades nine through 12 participate in the robotics program. The Daleks are the only high school robotics team based in Hunterdon County.
During the 2026 season, the team earned two district finalist finishes and received the Quality Award, which recognizes excellence in robot concept, design and fabrication. The Daleks also received a Judges’ Award recognizing the team’s character, accomplishments and contributions to the robotics community.
At the world championship in Houston, the Hunterdon Central students competed alongside teams from across the United States and countries including Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Turkey, China, Chinese Taipei, Israel, the Dominican Republic and Australia.
“The experience these students are gaining goes well beyond building and programming a robot,” Lanza added. “They are learning how to solve complex problems, work collaboratively under pressure, communicate effectively, and turn creative ideas into real-world solutions. Those skills will serve them well throughout their education and future careers.”
