HDSB students excel at the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship

Students from the SHSM program at Garth Webb Secondary School performed exceptionally well at the 2025 FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship, placing 2nd in the technology division and 3rd overall, earning five Gracious Professionalism awards, which celebrates exceptional acts of respect and kindness, through collaborative problem-solving with direct competitors.

Established in 2001, FIRST Robotics inspires young people to be leaders and innovators in science and technology by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to inspire innovation and foster self-confidence, communication and leadership.                                                                                              

Guided by their inspiring motto, “On the shoulders of giants – what starts here changes the world,” Garth Webb Secondary School Team 5409 exemplifies a spirit of innovation and collaboration. These dedicated students are not only passionate about contributing to their team, but they also embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact. 

The team reflected on what they learned from being part of this experience.

“Simplicity is key, and I learned that through robotics,” says Alexander Szura, Grade 12 student. 

“I didn’t just use learning to become a better engineer—I grew to be a better leader, teammate, and problem solver,” says Arav Mathur, Grade 12 student.

Thomas Douglas, Robotics Teacher at Garth Webb Secondary School, says “I’m incredibly proud of our team – not just for building our most effective robot yet, but for the way they came together, supported each other, and earned five Gracious Professionalism awards throughout the season, which celebrates exceptional acts of respect and kindness. The real win is in the skills they’ve built and the character they’ve shown. These experiences will carry them far beyond the game field.”

Adam Fabiano, Grade 11 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School, also received recognition at the event. Adam was named a FIRST Dean’s List Finalist, which are outstanding passionate student leaders who demonstrate exemplary effectiveness at attaining FIRST ideals. Adam was nominated by his team for his direct contributions and impact on others, exemplifying leadership and commitment, on the team and in his community. 

“Being nominated for the FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Award by my peers was an honour, and being selected as a Provincial Winner is genuinely a moment I will never forget,” says Adam. “Through Oakville Trafalgar’s robotics team, I have developed friendships, skills, and memories that will be lifelong. I am especially grateful to Mr. Woods for his dedication to STEM and for providing me with the opportunity to grow both as an individual and as a team captain.”

Charles Woods, Technological Teacher at Oakville Trafalgar High School says, “After 16 years of mentoring FIRST Robotics team 1334 at Oakville Trafalgar High School, I've come to see this program as something far beyond a robotics competition. FIRST offers a different path: one where students learn by doing, collaborate across disciplines, and discover their own unique value in a team environment while mentors share their real-world perspective. 

Every year, I watch students who entered the program unsure of themselves graduate with not only improved technical skills, but as better communicators, leaders, and problem-solvers. At Provincials, we were thrilled when Adam Fabiano from our team was selected as one of only two FIRST Dean's List Finalists selected from Ontario to move forward to compete for this prestigious and global individual award at the FIRST Championships!”

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These programs enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation ​and postsecondary education, training or employment.