Lacombe students earn prestigious recognition

The BeeWise system uses environmental sensors placed inside a hive to monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels. If conditions become unhealthy for the bees, the system can automatically adjust ventilation to improve airflow and stabilize the hive environment.

“The BeeWise project showed me how I can apply robotics and engineering to support sustainable agriculture and protect pollinators,” said Tans.

The Tech Futures Challenge encourages youth and post-secondary innovators to develop solutions to real-world problems using science, technology and design. Participants build working prototypes and present their ideas through a short pitch video outlining the problem, their solution and its potential impact.

For Lundstrom, the experience reinforced the importance of learning through experimentation.

“Tech Futures Challenge has taught me to fail forward, taking failure in stride to improve, iterate and eventually succeed,” she said.

Officials say the idea for BeeWise came from the growing challenges beekeepers face in maintaining healthy colonies, particularly during extreme weather and winter conditions. By providing better data about hive conditions, officials say the system could help reduce colony stress and improve survival rates.

“I am honoured to be presented with such an amazing award, and for my team to be among the many innovators in Alberta changing the status quo,” said Roadhouse.

According to school division officials, the team plans to continue refining the BeeWise Hive Monitoring and Ventilation System and hopes to test the technology in working hives. If successful, the students say they may explore creating a start-up company to bring the technology to market.

United Robotics of Lacombe will present its work next at the Tech Futures Challenge Innovation Showcase on May 30 at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary.

Meantime, École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School student Avriee Peavoy has been selected as one of only three finalists from Western Canada for the 2025–2026 FIRST Leadership Award, earning international recognition for her leadership, technical ability and commitment to expanding STEM opportunities in her community.

“This recognition belongs to my team, mentors, and community who have supported and challenged me to grow every step of the way,” said Peavoy.

Avriee Peavoy (Image Credit: Wolf Creek Public Schools)

Officials say the award is presented by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global organization that promotes youth engagement in science, engineering and robotics. Finalists were selected through a competitive process that included written submissions and in-depth interviews with a panel of judges.

Ten FIRST Tech Challenge winners from around the world will be announced at the FIRST Championship event in Houston on May 1.

Peavoy said the recognition reflects the collaborative nature of robotics.

“FIRST taught me that leadership isn’t about being in front, it’s about lifting others up,” she said. “Being selected as a finalist is a reminder that collaboration, inclusion and perseverance truly matter.”

Beyond her own team, Wolf Creek officials say Peavoy has worked to expand robotics opportunities in her community. They say she recently helped present the impact of FIRST Tech Challenge to more than 60 school board trustees, advocating for the growth of robotics programming across the region.

Officials say Peavoy plans to remain involved in FIRST long-term by mentoring teams and helping establish new robotics programs during her post-secondary studies.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Lacombe students earn prestigious recognition

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