A founder and mentor with the United Robotics of Lacombe (URL) was named a finalist for the Woodie Flowers Award, a special recognition of outstanding mentorship from the international organization, FIRST.

Warren Kreway started URL at Lacombe Composite 11 years ago and since then, has expanded the school group’s reach, starting a robotics program at Iron Ridge Elementary. He and URL members act as mentors for the younger students.

These clubs follow the programs set by FIRST, a non-profit organization aimed to get youth interested in STEM through robotics.

Kreway, who finished his high school diploma at age 65, said he often wonders about his legacy, whether he’s made an impact at all on youth.

The award answers many questions for him.

“When I won this award, it was like I was sitting at my own funeral and this young man was giving my eulogy and I’m sitting there listening to it. I had the awesome privilege of hearing it before I happily passed on. I don’t have to worry about it anymore. I know what these kids are thinking. I know the value behind it now,” Kreway said.

Kreway was nominated for the award by Ponoka student Derek Lange, who attends the robotics program in Lacombe after school.

Lange wrote a nomination letter about Kreway’s work and the example he sets for students. The letter was a page long, whittled down from a 3,000-word first draft.

“He is an exceptional individual because he teaches us how to positively influence our community, become well rounded individuals (academically & socially), give back to our community & to open our hearts to care for each other,” the letter reads.

The man students call "Wolf Dog" isn't just a mentor to youth in central Alberta. As Lange notes in the letter, he's also made volunteer trips to Ukraine and Uganda to inspire kids in those countries to pursue STEM as well.

Lange speaks about Kreway like a father figure.

“When I first met Warren, you could just tell in his eyes he was a mentor at heart. Full of love, compassion and he always wanted to be a part of your life,” he said.

“He’s making mentors out of mentors. He wants people to do more in the community. He wants people to inspire each other.”

Kreway was invited to the FIRST championship in Houston, Texas, which started Wednesday to find out if he would be honoured with the Championship Woodie Flowers Award.