MEDIA RELEASE via Windsor-Essex FIRST
WINDSOR, ON., July 3, 2025 – Five outstanding local high school graduates have each been awarded a $1,000 bursary from Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics (WEFR), a volunteer-led organization that delivers and promotes FIRST Robotics Canada programming across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
“We received many excellent applications this year from members of teams across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent,” says Michelle Bondy, WEFR Board Member and Chair of this year’s selection committee. “It is always a pleasure to read how each student has contributed to their FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team and to their community. Each and every one of the applicants should be proud of their accomplishments!”
The annual bursaries are named in honour of James Broom and Spencer James — a student and mentor of FIRST Robotics teams at Maranatha Christian Academy and Belle River High School, respectively — who passed away in 2014. The bursaries recognize graduating FRC students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their team, leadership in the community, and a passion for STEM.
“It’s been incredible to see the continued resilience and growth of our local teams,” says Larry Koscielski, VP of Process and Technology Development at CenterLine and Chair of WEFR. “These five students stood out for their dedication, leadership, and impact. We wish them all the best in their next chapter and hope they carry the spirit of FIRST with them as they move forward.”
The following students from the following high schools received bursaries to attend the following post-secondary institutions:
Kaitlyn Azar
Holy Names Catholic High School (Knight Vision Team 4940), University of Windsor – General Engineering with Co-op
Ethan Xiao
Ursuline College Chatham (CK CyberPack Team 5689), McMaster University – Engineering with Co-op
Frida Xin
Vincent Massey Secondary School (Mustangs Team 4902 and Tidal Shift Team 1229), University of Toronto – Kinesiology and Physical Education
Jiewen Zheng
Sandwich Secondary School (SabreBytes Team 772), McMaster University – Engineering 1
Jingshu Zhu
St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School (WiredCats Team 5885), University of Toronto – Engineering Science
The 2025 selection committee included: Michelle Bondy, Darryl Danelon, Chrysta Wiebe, and Patty Broom.
Even after graduation, many students plan to stay involved with FIRST through mentoring or volunteering at events. “We look forward to seeing them at future competitions, including the Windsor Essex Great Lakes District event,” adds Bondy.
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international program that engages high school students in designing, building, and programming 120-pound robots to compete in themed challenges. Teams also develop business, branding, and communication skills through their work with professional mentors, teachers, and industry partners.
About Windsor-Essex FIRST
Windsor Essex FIRST is a volunteer group that acts as a the regional arm of FIRST Canada and works year round to promote FIRST in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. Thanks to the effort and dedication of hundreds of volunteers – Windsor-Essex FIRST also coordinates events such as the annual Windsor-Essex FIRST Robotics Competition. www.windsoressexfirst.com
Media contacts:
Larry F. Koscielski
Vice President of Process & Technology Development
CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.
519.816.3265
lfk@cntrline.com
