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About the team

We are 1209

Team 1209 started in 2002 to bring hands-on STEM to a school without shop classes. More than twenty seasons later, we are still spreading the values of FIRST to our members, Booker T., and Tulsa.

Our mission

With the support of mentors and staff, our student-led organization fosters important life skills by immersing our members in the design process and non-profit management to prepare them for the future.

Our values

The FIRST Core Values guide everything we do.

  1. 01

    Discovery

    We explore new skills and ideas.

  2. 02

    Innovation

    We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.

  3. 03

    Impact

    We apply what we learn to improve our world.

  4. 04

    Inclusion

    We respect each other and embrace our differences.

  5. 05

    Teamwork

    We are stronger when we work together.

  6. 06

    Fun

    We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

No shop classes. We build robots anyway.

We are Team 1209, the RoboHornets, from Booker T. Washington High School. Our team is part of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), founded by Dean Kamen.

Team 1209 was founded in 2002 as a way to increase involvement in STEM at a school that offers no shop classes. As a veteran team, 1209 has worked to spread the values of FIRST to its members, Booker T., and the community.

One of our biggest sponsors, The University of Tulsa, lets the RoboHornets meet on their campus and use their labs while we build the robot.

A year on the team

How a season works

  1. 01Early Jan

    Kickoff

    We learn the new game alongside every FRC team in the world, then discuss strategies until we agree on one.

  2. 026 weeks

    Build season

    Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in Booker T.'s lab: designing, CADing, machining, wiring, and coding.

  3. 03Spring

    Compete

    We take the robot to regional events, scout every match, fix what breaks, and learn along the way.

Calendar

Meetings & events

Build meetings, outreach and competitions for the next two months, straight from the team calendar.

  • October 2026

    Wednesday, October 7InstaRaise Campaign EndsAll day
  • Friday, October 9Club Dues DueAll day
  • Monday, October 12Team Meeting3:45 – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday, October 14Team Meeting3:45 – 5:30 PM · Room 407
  • Thursday, October 15Second Event Registration OpensAll day
  • Monday, October 19Team Meeting3:45 – 5:30 PM
Add to Google Calendar Subscribe (Apple, Outlook)Full calendar
Strategic Plan

Where we're headed

Our Strategic Plan defines our long-term direction, aligns our resources, and establishes clear priorities for sustainable success.

Read the Strategic Plan Updated Fall 2026
26-27 season

The crew

26-27 season details

Leadership4

  • Nithilan S.Team President
  • Tsuguaki K.Vice President
  • Theron R.Secretary
  • Delian B.Project Manager

Safety1

  • Edwin M.Captain

Electronics12

  • Tristan A.Lead
  • William D.Co-Lead
  • Aayush N.
  • Brook G.
  • Divya R.
  • Jean-Richard D.
  • Jose R.
  • Lucas D.
  • Pranav R.
  • Sanskrit A.
  • Valeria H.
  • William H.

Mechanisms13

  • Cecilia A.Co-Lead
  • Luke H.Project Manager
  • Sophia T.Co-Lead
  • Alex J.
  • Ethan L.
  • Griffin D.
  • Joshua R.
  • Richard H.
  • Robin D.
  • Sinjin B.
  • Tatyanna W.
  • Travion B.
  • Wyatt H.

Programming5

  • John C.Lead
  • Alexandra B.
  • Charles D.
  • Reid W.
  • Tate C.

Management7

  • Gill W.Co-Lead
  • Sterling L.Co-Lead
  • Terriel H.Co-Lead
  • Hadley T.
  • Nataly F.
  • Sera P.
  • Zeke W.

Mentors & teacher sponsors

  • Joy PayneMentor
  • Frederick JonesMentor
  • Ken MartinMentor

Join the hive

No experience needed. We teach tools and safety, CAD, electronics, programming and outreach from day one. Find us at Freshman Orientation, Back-to-School Night or Showcase Night, or send us a message.

How to join