If you've ventured into the Lower Innovation Lab after school this year, you've witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of our VEX V5 robotics teams: 18080V, 18080W, 18080X, 18080Y and 18080Z. These students have poured countless hours into designing, building and coding their robots for the challenging VEX V5 Robotics Competition, "High Stakes."
For those unfamiliar with the competition, "High Stakes" involves two alliances battling on a 12’ x 12’ field. Matches consist of a 15-second autonomous period followed by a 1 minute and 45-second driver-controlled period. This year's objective: outscore the opposing alliance by strategically scoring rings on stakes, placing mobile goals and climbing at the match's end. Success requires a blend of strategic thinking, precise engineering and skillful driving.
We're incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit and relentless improvement shown by Henry F, Peter R, Daniel K, Alice L, Samantha C, Ava Y, Kathleen Y, Andrew Y, Ludy F, Krish A, Brian Z, Charlie W, Wendy R, Nathan S, William W, Evan G, Danny B, Devon L, Wallace G, Lucas D, Nicholas T, Logan C, Liam N, Angus L, Owen C, Aidan V, Roham A, Stephanie F, Alysha A and Chloe G. They embraced each competition as a valuable learning experience, consistently refining their designs and robots. Their commitment is truly remarkable. 
All our teams achieved notable success this season, and they should be immensely proud of their accomplishments. A special mention goes to Team 18080V, composed of Henry F, Peter R, Daniel K, Angus L, Samantha C, Alice L, Ava Y and Kathleen Y. At their second competition, they earned the prestigious Judges Award. This award recognizes a team demonstrating exemplary effort, persistence, effective communication, teamwork, professionalism and a student-centered approach – a true testament to their dedication and collaborative spirit.
Adding to their achievements, Team 18080V secured an impressive fourth-place ranking out of 63 teams before the elimination rounds at their final regular season competition. This outstanding performance has earned them a spot at the Ontario HS Provincial VEX V5 Robotics Competition Championships in Markham, from February 28th to March 2nd! We wish them the very best of luck as they compete against the top teams in the province. Go Hawks!
Written by: Ms Jennifer Clarey, Director of Teach and Design Technology