About Nova Pyra
Nova Pyra is a FIRST© Tech Challenge competition team (FTC Team 25619) based at Mandeville Junior High in Mandeville, LA. We were formed in 2024. Our first competition season was the 2024-2025 INTO THE DEEP℠ presented by RTX© season.
Our mission
Nova Pyra is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in robotics, fostering creativity, teamwork, and technical excellence. Together, we strive to ignite a passion for engineering and technology, shaping the future one robot at a time.
Our team name
As the younger sibling to FRC team 2992 The SS Prometheus, our FTC team, Nova Pyra, draws deep inspiration from the Greek mythology of Prometheus, the titan who defied the gods to grant fire to humanity. This myth symbolizes the power of knowledge, innovation, and the spark of creativity — all essential elements in the world of robotics.
Our team name, “Nova Pyra,” is a fusion of Latin and Greek roots, translating to “New Fire.” This name represents not only the literal fire granted by Prometheus but also the figurative flame of passion, ingenuity, and renewal that our team embodies. After years without an FTC team at our school, Nova Pyra marks the dawn of a new era.
Our logo
The logo itself captures this essence with a central blue flame, symbolizing both the fire of Prometheus and the spirit of innovation.
The wings flanking the flame are reminiscent of the phoenix, a creature that rises from its ashes, symbolizing our team's rebirth. Together, the flame and wings illustrate our journey — a new team rising with renewed energy and determination, ready to soar to new heights.
Nova Pyra is more than just a team. We are igniting a new fire within our school and community and lighting the path for future generations of innovators. We are proud to represent this rebirth and look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
About the program
FIRST© Tech Challenge is a robotics competition program where teams of up to 15 members, grades 7-12, design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Each season concludes with regional championship events and an exciting FIRST Championship.
It’s way more than building robots, and we're excited to be a part of the fun and excitement!