The FIRST® Robotics programs at Wayland Union Schools are building momentum. After starting the high school robotics team in 2016, the district now has three FIRST programs to offer students from grades 5-12.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international youth organization that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge Competitions.

Wayland High School’s Team #6090, coached by Keith Kohtz, is in its third season, which will kick off in January 2018.  The team last season went to the state finals,, members have already received a few scholarships and say they are thankful for the support they are getting from the community.

The middle school’s FIRST Tech Team “FTC Catatechnics” is coached by WMS Science teacher Michelle Foster, and is gearing up for their second competition year. They have 21 students participating this year and are building two robots.

Pine Street Elementary School’s FIRST LEGO League has added a second team this school year and now has 16 students in fifth and sixth grades.  The teams are coached by teachers Kelly Boston and Stacey Taplin.

“We are thrilled to see these programs thrive and appreciate all the volunteer and community support it takes to make them successful,” said Teresa Fulk, director of instruction. “It is a great opportunity for our students interested in STEM fields to have these valuable experiences.”

If you or a business would like to sponsor one of the FIRST teams, please contact Teresa Fulk at fulkt@waylandunion.org or call (269) 792-2181.