Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Four student drone teams from Harmony School of Excellence, a Title 1 campus serving a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, have qualified to compete at the 2026 Aerial Drone Competition South Central Championship in Frisco, Texas, and are seeking community support to make the trip possible.
The teams — the Flying Chihuahuas, Flying Raccoons, Pixie Pilots and Rotor Monkeys — earned their spot through strong performances in regional competitions. Over the past four years, the Harmony drone program has received more than 13 competition awards, showcasing student achievement in piloting, autonomous programming and engineering design.
“As a Title 1 school, our students work incredibly hard but often lack access to resources that make opportunities like this attainable,” said Coach Joshua Gandara.
“This championship is more than a competition. It is a chance for our students to see what is possible for their futures in STEM fields.”
“This championship is more than a competition. It is a chance for our students to see what is possible for their futures in STEM fields.”
The South Central Championship will bring together top drone teams from across the region to compete in flight challenges that test precision, innovation and teamwork.
For many students at Harmony School of Excellence, participation in national-level STEM competitions would not be possible without outside assistance. Travel, lodging, registration fees and equipment costs present significant barriers for families, which has prompted the launch of a GoFundMe campaign – Send Harmony Drone Team to Championship, to help cover expenses.
- To learn more or contribute, visit the Send Harmony Drone Team to Championship fundraiser on GoFundMe.
The schools focus on the belief that every child can succeed, and says they are committed to helping them realize their full potential.
There are a total of nine campuses in the Austin Metroplex: Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, and Pflugerville.
