[RoboMom]

This is not an uncommon issue in FIRST. Being a FIRST team does not always mean an upward trajectory in knowledge and funding. There are numerous teams that have ups and downs. All their mentors leave. All their students graduate. All their sponsors quit. I am familiar with teams that drop out for a year or two and then come back. Old number, but everything else is new. There is a team I know well who was seriously circling the drain last year, but is back with enthusiastic new teachers.

I wouldn't over think this. Congrats on starting up the team and your award. Mention that you have a new team and are fortunate to have some mentors with experience in FIRST and then move forward with what you want to do, which is the real story.