Preserving FIRST Culture and Ethics
Presenters: Kyle Hughes, FRC 27 Team RUSH
Championship WFA winner Kyle Hughes will provide a history of FIRST’s culture and ethics, along with a preservation plan. Kyle has competed in the FIRST community since 1997. Kyle’s extensive experience leading a FIRST Hall of Fame team (27) combined with Andy Baker as leading a perennial Crown Supplier (AndyMark) is a great combination of expertise on FIRST’s culture and ethics.
The presentation will be split up into 3 sections: foundation, preservation, and discussion. Foundation will set the baseline for the current FIRST culture and ethics. Preservation will include a plan for maintaining and expanding these topics, and an open discussion will conclude the presentation.
About Kyle
Kyle Hughes is a dedicated wife, mother, FIRST mentor, and teacher with a profound impact on her students and the STEM community. Alongside her husband, Dennis, she has raised three successful children who are all FIRST alumni. As a math and technology lead teacher at Clarkston High School in Michigan, Kyle has been the head mentor and on-field coach for FRC27, Team RUSH, since 1997. Team RUSH, a stellar Hall of Fame team known for its exceptional organization, passion, and community commitment, has thrived under her leadership. She has started all levels of FIRST in Clarkston, including two different competitive drone teams, and oversaw the creation of the “RUSH ToolKit,” a comprehensive tutorial for all FIRST Teams.
Kyle’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and community involvement, inspiring students to achieve their full potential in and out of the classroom. A passionate advocate for STEM education, she has won numerous teaching awards, orchestrated meetings between her team and political and education leaders, and seamlessly integrated her family into her efforts. Under her mentorship, Team RUSH has become a model of success and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs.