On Saturday, December 7, 2024, fifteen elementary school robotics teams from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) gathered at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School to compete in the 9th Annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Hamilton Qualifier.
This year’s challenge, titled “SUBMERGED,” invited students to dive deep into the mysteries of the ocean. Using creativity and LEGO® technology, teams explored underwater ecosystems and developed innovative solutions to bring their discoveries to light, envisioning the future of our oceans.
The HWCDSB has proudly hosted a regional FLL qualifier since 2015, including a virtual competition during the pandemic. Reflecting on the event’s legacy, Tournament Director Jenna Frank shared, “It’s amazing to see how this event has grown over the last decade. Many of our schools have built strong robotics programs, with teams returning year after year. Some students even continue their journey by mentoring younger teams or competing at the secondary level in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).”
This year’s qualifier featured 18 teams and nearly 150 students, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of participants.
Superintendent of Education Morris Hucal praised the program, saying, “The HWCDSB Robotics Program offers students an enriching STEM experience. Through FLL Robotics, our students engage in collaborative problem-solving, innovative design, and hands-on learning. Watching these teams present their creative solutions while demonstrating ‘gracious professionalism’ and ‘coopetition’ was inspiring. We are so grateful to our dedicated teaching staff and volunteers who devoted countless hours to make this event a success.”
Hucal also extended a heartfelt thanks to the event’s key supporters: ArcelorMittal Dofasco, the HWCDSB, and Team 4039 MakeShift Robotics. Their contributions have helped create opportunities for students to explore STEM in exciting, meaningful ways.
Congratulations to all the teams who participated in this year’s competition—your hard work and creativity are helping to shape the future!
