Suffolk Reporter

The William Floyd School District recently hosted the 2025 FIRST Lego League Qualifier at William Floyd High School. The event featured seven teams from district elementary and middle schools competing against other Long Island robotics teams. This year's theme, "FIRST DIVE," encouraged students to explore ocean life and develop innovative solutions for healthier oceans.

Two William Floyd teams received recognition for their efforts. Alisa Plastrik, co-advisor of MorDynamics, was awarded the Coach/Mentor Award for her leadership. The Tangier Techbots were named first finalists for the Innovation Project Award, praised for their problem-solving skills and effective communication.

The event opened with a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by four WFHS seniors: Thomas Betz, Max Heitman, Michael Pedra on vocals, and Jariella Mercado Gonzalez providing American Sign Language interpretation.

Teams representing William Floyd included the Floydbots (William Floyd Elementary), Tech Titans (Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary), New Kids on the Block (John S. Hobart Elementary), MorDynamics (Moriches Elementary), Tangier Techbots (Tangier Smith Elementary), FloydStrongMS (William Floyd Middle School), and Paca Wolves (William Paca Middle School). The high school’s Robotics Team 287, Hurricane Floyd, offered mentorship to younger participants.

Dr. Keith Fasciana, principal of William Floyd Elementary School, and Board of Education Trustee Jennifer Heitman were acknowledged for organizing the event over the past two years. Support also came from local businesses through sponsorships and donations.

Businesses that contributed include BJ’s Wholesale Club of Bellport, Blue Magic Pools Inc., Century 21 (Tony Liberti), Coastal Plumbing Services, Coldwell Banker (Adrienne Donovan), Druek’s True Value, JC’s Restaurant, La Buena Vida, LeAnne’s Flower Shop and Garden Center, Legworks Dance Studio LTD., Levine & Blit Painters, Ridgewood Savings Bank of Yaphank (Ken Beeman), Roman & Associates Storage R Us East Tire City Khadijatu and Osman Barrie Treehouse Childcare Yaphank Towing & Recovery.