Three high school robotics teams from a small island community are preparing for the world stage. Claremont Secondary School in Saanich, British Columbia, has qualified three teams to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship, held in St. Louis, Missouri, from April 21 to 30. The competition, which draws over 30,000 high school teams globally, represents a significant achievement for the school and a testament to the growing popularity of STEM education on Vancouver Island.
This year’s VEX Robotics Competition, centered around the game “Push Back,” challenges teams to design, build and program robots capable of strategically placing blocks in cylindrical goals and controlling designated zones on the playing field. The complexity of the task requires not only engineering prowess but also collaborative problem-solving and strategic thinking – skills that extend far beyond the robotics arena. The event is organized by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), a non-profit organization dedicated to making STEM accessible to students of all ages. Learn more about the RECF here.
Island School’s Robotics Rise
Claremont Secondary’s success isn’t a recent phenomenon. The school’s robotics program has been steadily gaining momentum since its inception in 2019. What began with a single team and one robot has blossomed into a thriving program capable of sending three competitive squads to the world championship. “It’s really neat to see how far this program has come from,” says Rodney Paananen, a teacher at Claremont and the squad leader for the robotics teams. “We started back in 2019 and it’s really neat to see that in a few years, we went from one team with one robot to multiple teams qualifying for the world championships.”
Among the 12 students making the trip to St. Louis are Grade 12 students Ava Lancaster and Owen Zhang, members of the team “Inspector Quacket.” This isn’t their first time competing on the world stage; they participated in the 2025 championship as well. Their robot, affectionately named “Little Tim,” is powered by an 88-watt battery and represents hundreds of hours of design, construction, and coding.
Beyond the Competition: Community and Connection
While the competitive aspect is undoubtedly thrilling, the students emphasize the importance of the connections forged through robotics. “I’m really excited, but I also perceive nervous due to the fact that it’s our last chance to prove ourselves,” Zhang admits. “But this year is probably our best one by far, so I think it’s looking good for us.” Lancaster echoes this sentiment, highlighting the unique opportunity to network with peers who share a passion for STEM. “There’s so many people you can go and talk to,” she says. “It’s also really interesting to talk to other female programmers because there aren’t many on the Island.” Zhang adds, “It’s really fun to have that experience with other young engineers around the world.”
The benefits of participation in programs like VEX Robotics extend beyond technical skills. Students develop crucial soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving – attributes highly valued by employers in a rapidly evolving job market. The program also fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging students to think outside the box and develop novel solutions to complex challenges.
Funding the Dream: A Community Effort
The journey to the world championship isn’t without its hurdles. Paananen explains that funding remains a significant challenge. “With registration fees alone costing $7,500,” he says, “the Claremont teams must also raise money to cover lodging, plane tickets, food and other expenses.” To help offset these costs, the teams are organizing a fundraising event at Royal Oak’s Country Grocer (4420 W Saanich Rd.) on April 12. Donations can also be sent directly to [email protected].
Paananen stresses the importance of community support. “Noticing firsthand the impact an event like this can have on a young person’s life, I call on everyone who can help, however small the donation, as it can make a big difference.” He hopes the success of the Claremont robotics teams will inspire other schools on Vancouver Island to launch similar programs, fostering a broader interest in STEM fields.
The Claremont teams are currently finalizing their robots, meticulously refining code and making last-minute adjustments. Their performance in St. Louis will not only represent their school and community but also showcase the potential of young Canadian engineers on a global platform. The teams will be traveling to Missouri on April 20th, with the competition officially beginning on April 21st. Updates on their progress will be shared through the school’s website and social media channels.
As the Claremont teams prepare to compete, they embody the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and dedication that defines the VEX Robotics World Championship. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of STEM education and the importance of investing in the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.
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