Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School's Robotics team 16413 will compete at the FIRST Tech World Championships in Houston, Texas from April 16 to 19, 2025. The team qualified for the worlds after capturing top honours at the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championships held in Hamilton in February.
Rainbow District School Board commended staff and students for this exceptional achievement. "What an honour it will be for students to compete alongside the best robotics teams in the world," said Chair David Farrow. "This is a true testament to team members, their vision, creativity and skill in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We wish them the very best."
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School's FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics 16413 team members include back row, from left, Audrey Kawa, mentors Arion Skakoon and Edward Xiong, Peter Xiong, Henry Xiong, Dane Gibeault, Jessica Abbott, Ben Kawa and mentor Dan Monti (Mentor); and front row, from left, Sarim Rehman, Leticia Da Silva, Lillian Li and mentor Julia Da Silva.
Director of Education Bruce Bourget applauded the entire team and acknowledged the sponsors who support their efforts. "The energy and enthusiasm for robotics in Rainbow Schools is vibrant and strong thanks to engaged students, exceptional programs, inspiring educators, dedicated mentors, and generous community partners. Sincere congratulations to all."
At the provincials, Lo-Ellen Robotics 16413 enjoyed its best ever performance. Of the 36 participating teams, only four teams qualified for the World Championships. Lo-Ellen Park secured the top two advancement spots, placing them as the number one team in Canada and the top three per cent world-wide.
Lo-Ellen Park was also honored with the Inspire Award, in recognition of the incredible success of the school's Engineering Design and Innovative Technology (EDIT) program and continued commitment to community outreach and engagement. In addition, team member Dane Gibeault was selected as one of two Ontario Dean's List Finalists who will represent FIRST Canada on the world stage.
"I am so proud of our team's accomplishments," said teacher and coach Dan Monti. "Their grit, tenacity and hard work has really paid off. We can't wait to see what the world championships will bring."
Lo-Ellen Robotics encourages collaboration and fosters an innovative mindset. Students have opportunities to learn skills by talking and tinkering. Aligned with the vision of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), students develop skills and reflect the values of the school's EDIT program. The program offers classes for students in Grades 7 to 12, including a Specialist High Skills Major in Robotics.
"Through hands-on learning, peer-to-peer mentorship, and our fail faster' methodology, students are encouraged to experiment, learn from mistakes, and iterate their designs - all key skills in robotics innovation," said teacher Dan Monti. "The program captures student interest early, creating a sustainable pipeline into advanced robotics competitions."
He added: "The EDIT Lab's inclusive environment also breaks down social and economic barriers, ensuring all students have equal opportunities to thrive. In addition to teaching robotics, the program shapes future innovators, leaders and problem-solvers - fully preparing them for a future in STEM."
The FIRST Robotics program provides many opportunities for students in design, fabrication, programming, problem-solving, networking, and business, with real-world applications. Participating on a world calibre robotics team enriches students, develops future leaders, and showcases transferable skills.
Lo-Ellen Robotics 16413 includes students Jessica Abbott, Leticia Da Silva, Dane Gibeault, Audrey Kawa, Ben Kawa, Lillian Li, Sarim Rehman, Henry Xiong and Peter Xiong, as well as mentors Daniel Monti, Julia Da Silva, Arion Skakoon and Edward Xiong.
The entire team thanks sponsors Ionic Mechatronics, J+J Minerals, Manitoulin Transport, Velco Machining, Hercules Stone Ltd., and Duplicators Copy + Print. They also acknowledged friends, family, businesses and organizations who are supporting their journey to Houston.
