FIRST Indiana Robotics (FIN) is thrilled to announce the selection of the new Student Board of Directors (SBoD) for the 2024-2025 school year. Composed of twenty one exceptional high school students from grades 10 through 12, this group will serve as the voice of FIRST for youth across Indiana, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the organization.
Meet the 2024-2025 Student Board of Directors
The newly selected members represent the best and brightest from both the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) programs. These students have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and embody the core values of FIRST: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun.
| Name | Team Name | School/Group | City |
| Anastasia Savic – President | Munster Horsepower | Munster High School | Munster |
| Swayam Patankar – Vice President of FRC | TechHOUNDS | Carmel High School | Carmel |
| Hannah Harvey – Vice President of FTC | Avon Roborioles | Avon High School | Avon |
| Stephen Onochie – Secretary | Avon Roborioles | Avon High School | Avon |
| Liam McNeely | Purple Precision | Brownsburg High School | Brownsburg |
| Owen Schmitt | CTF | Superior STEAM | Bedford |
| Natalie Holverson | Red Alert Robotics | Center Grove High School | Greenwood |
| Rima Bahradine-Bell | Career Academy Wolfpack | Career Academy High School | South Bend |
| Emma Langlais | TechHOUNDS | Carmel High School | Carmel |
| Ashley Yang | Westside Boiler Invasion | West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School | West Lafayette |
| Rose Madsen | Harrison Boiler Robotics | Harrison High School | West Lafayette |
| Sophia Yang | Westside Boiler Invasion | West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School | West Lafayette |
| Harshil Gandhi | GalacTech | Columbus Robotics | Columbus |
| Melina Mata | Team Hammond | Hammond Area Career Center | Hammond |
| Robert Brown | Avon Roborioles | Avon High School | Avon |
| Sarah Hendrix | Red Alert Robotics | Center Grove High School | Greenwood |
| Eliza Kuehn | Red Pride Robotics | Plainfield High School | Plainfield |
| Jack Thompson | Green Machine | Greenwood High School | Greenwood |
| Peyton Holloway | Avon Roborioles | Avon High School | Avon |
| Maxximo Jacome-Huesca | TOBOR | Crawfordsville High School | Crawfordsville |
| Jackson Bosecker | Ragnabotics | North Posey Jr/Sr High School | Poseyville |
Expectations and Responsibilities
Members of the SBoD are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and embrace the ethos of Gracious Professionalism® in all their interactions. They will attend monthly meetings, contribute to various projects, and participate in numerous events throughout the year, including competitions and community outreach activities.
The board members will also play a crucial role in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the FIRST community, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to opportunities in STEM education. They will be active participants in key events such as the Statehouse Advocacy Day, professional conferences, and local community engagements, representing FIN and advocating for the growth and impact of FIRST programs in Indiana.
“Joining the executive board has allowed me to increase the impact I make during my remaining time in high school. I’m looking forward to running amazing initiatives with the other board members!”
–Stephen Onochie, Secretary
Commitment to Excellence
“We are incredibly proud of these students and the work they have accomplished thus far in their FIRST careers,” said Chris Osborne, Vice President of FIRST Indiana Robotics. “Their commitment to excellence, community service, and leadership is truly inspiring. As members of the Student Board of Directors, they will not only give a voice to FIRST teams across Indiana but also help shape the future of our programs. We are excited to support and collaborate with them in the coming year.”
Looking Ahead
The 2024-2025 SBoD members will kick off their term with a Student Board Retreat and Orientation, where they will receive training and set goals for the year. They will also participate in the Statehouse Advocacy Day, engaging with policymakers to advocate for STEM education and the expansion of FIRST programs.
Join Us in Congratulating the New SBoD Members
FIRST Indiana Robotics invites the community to join in congratulating these outstanding students on their selection and to support them in their endeavors throughout the year. Their dedication and leadership will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the FIRST community and beyond.
For more information about FIRST Indiana Robotics and the Student Board of Directors, please visit www.firstindianarobotics.org or contact Chris Osborne cosborne@firstindianarobotics.org
