16 Gulf Pine Catholic • March 27, 2026 Two robotics teams from St. Patrick Catholic High School recently competed at the FIRST Tech Challenge 2026 State Competition, earning top honors and advancing opportunities for future competition. Team Tempest #6556 represented St. Patrick with a robot that was fully 3D printed by student Collin Murphy. The robot was driven by Murphy alongside Mackenzie Cole and Gigi Persing. The team advanced to the state competition and earned third place in the prestigious Inspire Award category. The Inspire Award recognizes teams that best exemplify the ideals of the FIRST program, including teamwork, community outreach, recruiting and engineering excellence. St. Patrick’s second team, Irish Storm #21585, was made up of students from the school’s engineering class. The robot was driven by Aidan Cloud and Austin Stolarski, with Parker Talley and Connor McElroy serving as coaches. Irish Storm advanced to the final four in the competition and finished as part of the third-place winning alliance. In addition, the engineering team received a “Golden Ticket,” an artifact tied to the competition’s theme that serves as an invitation to participate in a premier event competition of their choice following the state competition, giving the team another opportunity to represent St. Patrick on a larger stage. Several members of Team Tempest were also recognized for demonstrating gracious professionalism, a core value of the FIRST program. Students Charlie Stelling, Ian Ferguson, Calleb Sanchez and Baylen Talley received the recognition for their sportsmanship and positive conduct throughout the competition. Following their success at the state level, the students are already preparing their next robot as they look ahead to the upcoming FIRST Robotics Competition in Laurel. St. Patrick Catholic High girls soccer program wins championships The St. Patrick Catholic High School girls soccer program continues to build on a strong tradition of success, highlighted by multiple state championships and the accomplishments of several standout players this season. The Lady Irish have captured four state championships, establishing themselves as one of the premier programs in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A classification. Leading the way for St. Patrick has been senior standout Bella Jordan, who has earned numerous accolades throughout her career. Jordan was named Most Valuable Player of the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship game twice, showcasing her impact on the program’s championship runs. She was also selected as the Most Valuable Player of the MAC North/South All-Star Game, further highlighting her dominance on the field. Jordan’s impressive scoring ability has drawn national recognition. She was recently named a Top Player to Watch in the Nation by Top Drawer Soccer, finishing her varsity career with 143 goals. In addition, Jordan earned All-District honors five times during her time with the Lady Irish. Several St. Patrick players also received regional recognition this season. Bella Jordan, Gia Encrapera, and Samantha Johnson were all named to the AllCoast Team, recognizing the trio as some of the top players along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Both Jordan and Encrapera will continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. Jordan has signed with Holmes Community College, while Encrapera has signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. With a history of championships and a roster of talented players earning recognition at the district, regional, and national levels, the St. Patrick girls soccer program continues to leave its mark on the Mississippi high school soccer landscape. St. Patrick robotics teams earn honors at state competition Father Harry O. Wade KCs Council #7910, St. Joseph, Gulfport, names February Family of the Month Father Harry O. Wade Knights of Columbus Council #7910 at St. Joseph, Gulfport named Pete and Jean Baas: Family of Month for February. Grand Knight, Dennis Nowell presented Peter Baas with a certificate. Father Harry O. Wade KCs Council #7910, St. Joseph, Gulfport, names February Knight of the Month Father Harry O. Wade Knights of Columbus Council #7910 at St. Joseph, Gulfport named Ken Tirman: Knight of the Month for February.
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