Robotics programs at Sacred Hearts include FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), VEX and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

FIRST LEGO League Jr. (FLL Jr.) is for students in grades 4 through 6 while FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is for students in grades 7 and 8. Students in grades 9 through 12 can participate in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and VEX.

Junior Angela Wong said, “Robotics allows me to apply skills that engineers currently use in the work force in a day-to-day high school experience. The program has extended my appreciation for strong work ethic, teamwork and problem-solving, all of which I am able to apply in my classes.”

The FRC season started with a kickoff in January that was broadcast simultaneously around the world via NASA. Teams have six weeks to design, build and program a robot that will be able to play the designated game in competitions and meet FRC requirements. After six weeks, teams send their robots to regional competitions. Winners of the regionals will compete in the championship game in St. Louis, Missouri.

Senior Kimi Acoba said, “Robotics has helped me see things in a different light. Most people would look at something broken and go, ‘Oh well, time to buy a new one’ but I’ve come to view it as ‘Oh, what’s broken? Maybe I can fix it.’”

Shortly after getting the FIRST Robotics Competition information in January, the Academy team lost adviser Chelsea Harder who resigned.

Math department chair and Real World Design adviser Deborah Kula is now the permanent substitute for the FIRST team.