News North Surrey Secondary’s robotics team set to take on the world – again!

 

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North Surrey Secondary's Team 6390 Hephaestus after their recent win at regionals in Victoria, which advanced them to the world competition in Texas April 18-21.

North Surrey Secondary's robotics team is once again headed to the World Championships in Texas.

Team 6390 Hephaestus was part of the winning alliance at the recent Canadian Pacific Regional FIRST Robotics Competition in Victoria ­– an achievement that earned them a spot to compete in the global arena later this month.

Alliance members – which also included Team 1241 Theory 6 from Mississaugua, Ont. and Rookie Team 7173 Iris Robotics from Maple Ridge ­– defeated teams from across Canada, as well as two teams from California.

North Surrey's squad not only came home with the regional championship banner, but won several other accolades, including the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award, celebrating "outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team's school and community."

Teacher Julie Occleshaw, who serves as administrative coach and a lead mentor for the team, was named the 2018 Woodie Flowers Award winner for using her excellent communication skills to lead, inspire and empower Team 6390 Hephaestus.

And Grade 11 student Adi Poluri was given a Dean's List Finalist Award, which celebrates outstanding student leaders "whose passion for and effectiveness at attaining FIRST ideals is exemplary."

The FIRST Championship takes place April 18-21 in Houston. Due to the high travel costs, the team will be bringing just nine students this year.

Occleshaw said the robotics team would welcome donations and community/corporate sponsorships, not only to support the Texas trip, but to ensure the long-term sustainability of the team.

Anyone interested in making a donation can mail it to North Surrey Secondary (15945 96 Ave., Surrey, B.C. V4N 2R8), noting it is for the robotics team. Donations over $25 are eligible for a tax receipt.

For anyone interested in becoming a team sponsor, information can be found on the Team 6390 Hephaestus website, under the Sponsorship tab, or by contacting Occleshaw directly at occleshaw_j@surreyschools.ca or 604-930-5343.