Smithtown Middle Schoolers Host Robotics Competitions

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Smithtown Robotics Team hosted not one, but two, First LEGO League competitions recently at Great Hollow Middle School, the Smithtown School District announced. Teams from around the region competed on Jan. 11 and 12.

The Smithtown Central School District had six teams represented: Nesaquake Middle School, coached by Brian Sheridan; Accompsett Middle School coached by technology teachers Melannie Hill and Logan Theodorou; and Great Hollow Middle School coached by technology teachers Connor Kelly and Caitlin Caputo.

The Middle School Robotics program is part of the CTE Technology Department, under the guidance of CTE Director Christine LoFrese.

Teams showcased their innovative robots, designed to tackle complex tasks in a fun and collaborative environment. The event featured multiple qualification matches from each team as well as "Innovation Projects" where teams researched an existing issue related to aquatic and marine life and attempted to design and present a solution to judges.

There were impressive performances from student teams, all working toward the shared goal of earning a spot in the next phase of the competition.

"The event was filled with teamwork, problem-solving and a true spirit of STEM education, with many teams earning awards for design, innovation and teamwork," the district wrote.