Two Harmony High School Teams Advance To World’s Robotics – First Tech Challenge Championship

Harmony Science Academy – Houston & Harmony School of Innovation – Katy

(Houston/Katy Area) – Harmony Science Academy-Houston (HSA-Houston) and Harmony School of Innovation-Katy (HSI-Katy) had outstanding performances at the Southeast Texas FTC (First Tech Challenge) Championship at San Jacinto College on Saturday, Feb. 23.  The 13-hour tournament consisted of 45 qualifying matches followed by 12 high-performing teams picked for the alliance playoffs. Playoffs consisted of four alliances each with three robots competing in best-of-3 matches in the semifinal and final rounds.

HSA-Houston’s team “Momentum” ranked first among the 36 teams at the conclusion of the qualifying matches.  Their first place ranking granted them first pick of other robots to join their alliance. Momentum took their alliance team past the semifinals and gave harsh competition during the championship matches. Momentum finished as the captain team for the runner up alliance earning them a spot to advance to FTC World Championship. Momentum is a team of 12 students, mostly 9th and 10th graders, who are guided by their robotics coach, Mr. Seref Yagli.

HSI-Katy’s team “Ironclad” was picked for another alliance team and competed in the semifinals and final playoff matches. Their alliance team won the finals at FTC SE Texas Championship earning them one of the five advancing spots to the FTC World’s.  Ironclad also received the Control Award because their robot’s functionality stood out among the rest for its use of sensors and software. The team demonstrated innovative thinking in the control system to solve game challenges such as autonomous operation, improving mechanical systems with intelligent control, and/or using sensors to achieve better results on the field. Mr. Ramazan Ozdemir is mentor to Ironclad and two other FTC teams.

Both Momentum and Ironclad head to the FTC World Championship in Houston, TX from April 17th – April 20th at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

FTC participants have the opportunity to compete and gain educational achievements, attend competitions and receive scholarships. Through this exciting and enlightening program, students can develop skills that will provide them key experience and knowledge that will contribute to their future success.  “More than 70,000 people from around the world – plus 1,300 robots – will travel to Houston and Detroit to celebrate inspiring young innovators, leaders, and change-makers at the 2019 FIRST®Championship presented by Qualcomm® Incorporated. Join us to experience something extraordinary – and we do not mean the robots.” FIRST World Championship Houston – April 17-20, 2019

Harmony Public Schools is now accepting applications for free enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year at all of its campuses at https://www.apply.harmonytx.org

About Harmony Public Schools

Harmony Public Schools are 56 high performing Pre K-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 56 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.