Hailey V.
Team Captain
All-rounder, leadership, time management, and scheduling
Wants to be: Biomechanical Engineer
Our Story
Who we are
FIRST Tech Challenge Team 25619, founded 2024 in Mandeville, Louisiana.
Origins
New fire
The name "Nova Pyra," meaning "New Fire," reflects the team's origin story — a revival of robotics at Mandeville Junior High, inspired by the myth of Prometheus, who granted fire to humanity. Now in our 2nd season, we are the sister team of FRC S.S. Prometheus.
Mission
Nova Pyra is committed to advancing the boundaries of innovation in robotics, fostering creativity, teamwork, and technical excellence. Together, we strive to ignite a passion for engineering and technology.
What we stand for
Values
Engineer First
We prototype before we commit. Every design decision is tested, not assumed.
Team Over Self
The best idea wins, regardless of who has it. Credit is shared; blame is not.
Document Everything
If it isn't written down, it didn't happen. Our notebook is our proof of process.
Give Back
From outreach events we grow new members every year, sharing all aspects of robotics and letting everyone focus on their interests.
Always Iterate
V1 is never the answer. We build, break, learn, and build better.
How we organise
Subteams
Build Team
Goal
Manage the design and physical construction of the robot.
Challenge
Age restrictions require mentor supervision for all power tool usage to ensure safety.
CAD Team
Goal
Manage the 3D design of the robot using CAD software (Onshape).
Challenge
Pre-season CAD training closes the experience gap before the season begins.
Code Team
Goal
Manage robot code development, learning Java and FTC SDK standards.
Challenge
Pre-season coding sessions let ideas take shape faster when the season starts.
Documentation Team
Goal
Maintain the Engineering Portfolio and judging materials.
Challenge
Financial and performance data flows through booster members for easy communication.
Media Team
Goal
Manage the team's outreach and marketing design.
Challenge
All outreach is closely supervised through mentors due to social media age restrictions.
Captain
Goal
Communicate and organize team plans from members to leaders.
Challenge
Captain works with coaches to ensure multiple clear channels of communication.
Students
The team · 12 members
Wyatt H.
Build Lead
Creating a build schedule, overseeing construction
Wants to be: Auditory Physicist
Taylor G.
Media Lead
Curating our presence in our community and online
Wants to be: English Teacher (TEFL abroad)
Victoria L.
Documentation Lead
Creating judging materials (Engineering Portfolio and presentation)
Wants to be: Astrophysicist
Peter D.
Code Lead
Writing code for autonomous and tele op
Wants to be: Surgeon, Biochemist, or Civil Chemist
Sam V.
CAD Lead
Utilizes OnShape to design robot parts
Wants to be: Professional Sailor
Leighton S.
Pit Lead & Build
Organize and staff pit area; assist with robot construction and testing
Wants to be: Robotic Engineer
Frank G.
Build Member
Focuses on robot construction
Wants to be: Film Critic
Taylor C.
CAD & Build Member
Assists with robot design and construction
Wants to be: Engineer or Lawyer
Scarlett G.
Website & Media Member
Updates and maintains team website
Wants to be: Arts-related field
Lucia A.
Media & Documentation Member
Assists with outreach, fundraising, and documentation
Wants to be: Orthodontist, Dentist, or Dancer
Abilyn K.
Code & Media Member
Assists with code development and fundraising
Wants to be: Graphic / Website Designer
Mentors & Boosters
Behind the team · 9
Mr. Jon H.
Teacher Sponsor & Lead Mentor
Wants to be: Teaching robotics full-time
Ms. Amy B.
Teacher Sponsor & Lead Mentor
Wants to be: National Geographic Photographer
Mr. Ryan H.
Boosters President & Mentor
Wants to be: Software Engineer
Mr. Brad V.
Mentor
Wants to be: Astronaut
Mr. Matt G.
Mentor
Wants to be: Lottery Winner
Ms. Kate G.
Boosters Treasurer & Mentor
Wants to be: A job that allows extensive travel
Mrs. Laura M.
Mentor
Wants to be: Engineer
Ms. Sara V.
Boosters Secretary
Wants to be: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Mr. Mike S.
Mentor
Wants to be: Professional Golfer
FIRST & Industry
Partners
Sister Team
FRC 2992 — S.S. Prometheus
Our sister FRC team shares their shop with us, teaching complex machinery operation and helping navigate CAD & code.
FTC Partner
FTC 6448 — Jesuit Blue Jays
Collaborated on driver practice before State, discussing engineering and judging strategies together.
Sponsor
DDG
Key sponsor providing support, resources, and mentorship through mentor Brad Villemeur. Ongoing collaboration on CAD and engineering as a whole.
Industry
Intralox
Hosted a facility visit where the team learned real-world engineering processes and explored STEM career opportunities.
Industry
Turner Industries
Employer of mentor Laura Meche, who brings technical writing expertise to guide our Engineering Portfolio and presentations.
Industry
USDA
Employer of mentor Matthew Gilbert, who applies research science skills to teach hands-on building and engineering fundamentals.