(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Nampa, Idaho

SJHS robotics team heads to international competition in U.S.

Feb 26, 2025 | 4:11 PM

The St. Joseph High School robotics team is heading to an international competition in the United States next month.

From March 27-29, the team will travel to Nampa, Idaho for a three-day FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) to face other high school robotics teams from around the world.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and accomplishments in robotics,” says Gary Gylander, SJHS principal, in a media release. “Their journey to Nampa signifies their hard work and passion for STEM. This competition is a significant milestone for our growing program, and we’re excited to see them represent St. Joseph High School on an international stage.”

St. Joseph High School reported significant growth in it’s robotics program this year increasing from just one team of four students, to five teams of 32 students in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) program alone.

St. Joseph High School strongly supports FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) programs and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education through robotics.

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

13h ago

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

13h ago

Dec. 13-14, 2025

Central Albertans encouraged to "Cram the Van" this weekend

14h ago

The students dedicate their time on many Saturdays throughout the school year to design and build robots for the annual themed competition.

The First Tech Challenge (FTC) theme this year is, “into the deep,” which challenges teams to design robots that are capable of navigating a 12 foot by 12 foot field. The competitors will be required to complete tasks during the two minute and 30 second match and will have to demonstrate climbing abilities.

SJHS has had success at FTC in the past with teams earning multiple awards at regional playoffs, including the Inspire Award two years-in-a-row. The Inspire Award recognizes teams demonstrating excellence in all aspects of team performance.

The SJHS students are also involved in the FRC program, which features larger and more complex robots with some as big as six feet tall. The upcoming competition in Nampa will showcase these impressive machines on a field similar in size to a volleyball court, with many robots designed for climbing.

The SJHS robotics team was able to raise approximately $2,000 through fundraising efforts, including online sales and partnerships with local businesses. They explain the ongoing support is crucial to cover expenses like travel and robot parts, making trips more accessible for students.