Students Shine at 9th Annual Drone Competition

Students Take Flight at Harmony’s Aerial Drone Competition

The skies above Harmony School of Excellence–Katy Middle High were buzzing with excitement as families, teachers, and friends filled the stands, cheering as student teams guided their drones through obstacle courses and creative missions. With 42 teams competing across the region, the day was full of energy, laughter, and plenty of friendly competition during the Fall 2025 Aerial Drone Competition.

The annual event, now in its ninth year, brought together elementary, middle, and high school students who tested their drone piloting skills in a series of high-flying challenges that required precision, teamwork, and strategy. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Houston North District has sponsored this fast-growing national program that challenges students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and pilot drones through complex aerial courses

“This competition really shows how far our students have come,” said Yilmaz Kahraman, the district’s STEM coach. “Every year, they surprise us with new ideas, better control, and incredible teamwork. They’re learning to solve problems on the fly—literally.”

Hosted by Harmony Public Schools, Houston North District, the drone competition is part of a national program supported by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF). The foundation promotes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through hands-on learning experiences. Students use programmable drones to navigate obstacle courses, complete missions, and demonstrate creative design solutions.

This year’s competition featured Robolink’s CoDrone EDU, a small but powerful drone designed specifically for education. Students used coding and engineering concepts to plan flight paths and carry out tasks that tested both skill and imagination.

Beyond the excitement of the competition, events like this one reflect Harmony’s broader commitment to preparing students for the future. Harmony Public Schools emphasizes STEM learning, character development, and college readiness. The district boasts a 98% high school graduation rate and a 100% college acceptance rate among seniors.

As the last drone landed and the day came to a close, students left with more than trophies—they carried with them a sense of accomplishment, teamwork, and a deeper love for science and technology.

Harmony Public Schools integrates project-based learning, robotics, and advanced STEM curriculum into everyday instruction, preparing students to become leaders in technology, science, and innovation.

For more information about Harmony Public Schools and its STEM programs, visit www.HarmonyTX.org.