The Huntsville High School Hoya Robotics Team has earned a coveted spot at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, 2025. Our Huntsville team will compete against top student teams from around the globe. After a season of hard work, innovation, and collaboration, Hoya Robotics are ready to represent Huntsville on the world stage—but they need the community’s support to get there.
The team is working to raise $50,000 to ensure that every student attending the World Championship has the opportunity to participate regardless of financial circumstance. These funds will cover travel, lodging, meals, and shipping of equipment. Registration costs for the team have been covered by a grant from Embark and the Ron Sveen Memorial Fund.
“We’ve spent countless hours designing, building, and programming our robot from the ground up using CNC machines and 3D printers,” said Team Captain Emma Zammit. “But this isn’t just a win for our team—it’s a win for the entire Huntsville community that has supported us along the way.”
The team was initially not planning to attend the World Championship, due to financial stress facing their sponsors because of tariffs. However, the team has received such support and encouragement from community members to compete at the highest level possible, they have decided to show the world what Huntsville can do!
The Hoya Robotics Team has grown into a hub of innovation and learning, where students work closely with adult mentors in manufacturing, engineering, and software development. The program cultivates skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), leadership, and teamwork—skills that will shape the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
“This team is more than just a robotics club,” said educational advisor and Hoya Robotics founder Ian McTavish. “These students are future engineers, scientists, and leaders—and their journey to Houston is something our whole town can be proud of.”
How You Can Help:
Community members and local businesses are encouraged to contribute through sponsorships, donations, or by attending upcoming fundraising events. Every contribution helps bring these talented students one step closer to their dream.
To donate, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/126128 or contact Ian McTavish at [email protected]
Let’s rally behind the Hoya Robotics Team and show the world what Huntsville can do!
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Hoya Robotics, team 4152, will be competing in the Milstein Division. The livestream will be at:
https://www.firstchampionship.org/watch
Matches will begin Thursday and go through to Friday. I find the Blue Alliance is the easiest way to see what matches we will be in – keep in mind the time difference and inevitably they fall behind in the schedule:
https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/4152
Saturday morning there will be division playoffs and Saturday afternoon the division champions will compete in the Einstein Division to earn the title of world champion!
We are so proud of you, Ian, students and anyone involved! What a wonderful achievement!
Congratulations Mr. McTavish, adults, students and sponsors. Hard work and a positive, creative atmosphere (I’ve been in the room on a Saturday – the kids are terrific) brings dividends to many people over the long term. A super opportunity which is certainly not available in every school. Bravo and best wishes.
Truly a great achievement. Please make it simple for donations. If everyone in Huntsviler contributed $10.00-$20.00 they would be on their way. Please post immediately a “easy transfer account”
Congratulations Hoyas!!! I just have one important point to make, and it would be great if you could update the article. When you click on the canadahelps.org donation link, you have to click on the drop down menu and select ‘HHS – Robotics Team’ if you want your donation to go to the robotics team.
” Elbows Up ” Team….Bri.liant