LA PLATA, Md. — Three faculty advisors to the College of Southern Maryland Talons Robotics team have been recognized with flags flown over the Pentagon for their extraordinary commitment to students.
The flags were requested by Lee and Jennifer Hernandez, whose son Immanuel is a member of the team. In May, the flags and accompanying certificates were presented to advisors Jim Cleary, Ann Stine, and Brian Warnecke.
Lee Hernandez, a military service member, said the recognition was meant to acknowledge the time and sacrifices the advisors make for the team.
“Being an educator is not easy, neither is being a leader, and the sacrifices you three have made has to be recognized,” Hernandez said. “I’ve had educators like you to push me, and there have been many things I’ve been able to do because of people like that leading me. You’ve been here for these students, and they will take with them everything you have taught them.”
The advisors support the team not only on campus but also at VEX U Robotics tournaments across the country. Last season, the Talons competed in Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and at the World Championship in Missouri.
Brian Warnecke said the recognition reflects the broader impact of the program beyond competition results.
“It’s about perseverance, mentorship, and giving students opportunities to be part of something meaningful,” Warnecke said. “Working with this team has been the most rewarding part of my time at CSM because I get to watch students grow in confidence, solve difficult problems, and support one another.”
Jim Cleary, a military veteran, said the surprise presentation was especially meaningful.
“The presentation of the flags was a complete surprise, and it was very meaningful to be recognized for all the time and dedication invested in the team,” Cleary said. “Receiving the flag brought tears to my eyes.”
At the April 2026 VEX U World Championships, the Talons finished 33rd in Programming Skills and 45th in Overall World Skills out of 150 teams from around the world.
Ann Stine said she is proud to see students apply what they learn in real-world engineering settings.
“It has been a blessing working with the robotics teams through the years,” Stine said. “The students are so dedicated to doing well, and I see them use their technical skills and creativity to solve problems. It is closer to real-world engineering than anything we can cover in the classroom.”
The Talons are preparing for the 2026-2027 season. Participation is open to all CSM students regardless of their area of study. More information is available on the Talons webpage.
