From Humble Beginnings to Regional Champions

Just a year ago, the newly established robotics team at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School gathered around a simple box, uncertain of where to start. With most members being novices in robotics, their initial ambition was modest: to create a robot capable of moving, even if only slightly.

Fast forward to November 2025, and the team has dramatically exceeded those early expectations. According to the Sudbury Catholic School Board, the students not only engineered one fully operational robot but successfully built two. Their dedication culminated in winning first place at the prestigious FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Competition.

Understanding the FIRST Tech Challenge Experience

The FIRST Tech Challenge is a dynamic competition where teams design, construct, program, and operate robots in alliance-based matches. Beyond technical skills, participants develop critical STEM competencies, applying authentic engineering practices such as maintaining detailed engineering journals to document their progress.

Throughout the process, students cultivate teamwork, innovation, and resilience-key attributes necessary to transform ambitious ideas into reality.

Teamwork and Mentorship: Keys to Success

Loretta Cuda, a teacher and team coach, highlighted the group’s impressive ability to collaborate under pressure. “Our initial goal was simply to get the robot moving,” she shared, “but the students quickly evolved to mentoring younger members, especially Grade 9 students, fostering a supportive club environment.”

Michael Phillips, a Grade 12 team member, reflected on the journey: “I never imagined we’d place second and then win the alliance. The experience united us more than we anticipated. We learned not only about robotics but also the true meaning of teamwork.”

He added, “On competition day, all our contingency plans had to be set aside as we focused on a shared objective. Every member considered how they could contribute to our victory.”

Beyond Mechanics: Embracing the Business Side of Robotics

The competition also broadened students’ understanding of the diverse skills essential to robotics success. David Akero, another senior team member, emphasized that the event extended beyond robot performance.

“It’s equally about how our business team operates,” Akero explained. “We had to present ourselves professionally, engage with the community, and share our story effectively. Documentation, which was previously a weak point, became a major focus.”

He noted that the competition’s structure mirrors real-world business challenges. “Some team members seek sponsorships, others specialize in building components. Public speaking, interviews, and financial management are all integral parts of the experience.”

Recognition and Future Prospects

Morris Hucal, Director of Education, lauded the team’s accomplishment: “Congratulations to the St. Benedict FIRST Robotics team for their outstanding performance at the regional level. This victory exemplifies the creativity, commitment, and problem-solving abilities that define our students.”

He further emphasized the school board’s dedication to STEM education, noting that robotics programs are vital in equipping students with skills to navigate an increasingly technological future.

The expanding presence of robotics initiatives in schools underscores a commitment to experiential learning. Congratulations are extended to the students, educators, and mentors whose hard work and passion made this achievement possible.