FTC Team Helios 5009 team was started in 2011 when a group of former FLL members outgrew the program. When these members graduated from Middle School, they decided to start a FIRST Tech Challenge team at their new High School. The team started as an elective class held during school hours and grew into an after-school club available to all students. The team has made it to the world championship every year since 2011, coming to a total of 8 years in a row, and has won the Inspire Award six times at the Canadian/Alberta Championship. That being said, the team has had the opportunity to travel to both St. Louis, Missouri and Houston, Texas for the FIRST World Championship.
Our team began 8 years ago, having been developed from an FLL team and since then we have seen many bright young students and incredible mentors and coaches. This year we have four veteran members and six rookies. Our team consists of students from two different schools from the francophone school district based in Edmonton. We also have three former students who have returned as mentors, three returning mentors as well as our two beloved coaches. This year we also have a teacher joining us! To make the best of each individual’s skills on the team, we have divided the team in different sub-teams composed of students and mentors alike.
Our vision is…
to provide a means for students to experience STEM first hand whiles taking part in this amazing robotics program which is FIRST Tech Challenge.