Suffolk Reporter

The William Floyd High School Robotics Team #287 has achieved noteworthy success at the FIRST Robotics Long Island Regional competition held recently at Hofstra University. Under the leadership of advisors Joseph Carpinone, Joseph Brand, and Roxanna Casey, along with volunteers Chris Ryon and Jack Fried from Brookhaven National Laboratory, the team excelled in the competition themed "Reefscape." The central aim was to enhance engineering skills focusing on ocean habitat improvement. Among the 48 teams participating, Team 287 secured the fourth position and was the third in the playoff bracket with an overall record of 9-1. The team was awarded the Quality Award, appreciating machine robustness in concept and execution.

The Quality Award recognizes superior quality and durability of the machines demonstrated through outstanding workmanship, assembly systems, wiring, and other technical aspects, all while maintaining functional integrity against competition pressures. The award also requires teams to present a quality plan that underscores robustness throughout the competition. Judges appreciated Team 287's robot as a quality benchmark for others.

Team members contributing to the victory include Max Heitman, the driver; Anthony Nacchio, the operator; Carlos Hernandez Parias Jr., a scouting specialist; Carmine Nacchio, a human player; Alice Chen, a media specialist; Hamza Cheema, a programming specialist; Christian D’Ambrosio, a safety specialist; and others like Gerard Gawlowski, Victoria Basharina, and Davyen Robinette, among several others.

William Floyd Robotics began its competitive journey in 1999, earning numerous accolades over the years, such as the Xerox Creativity Award, Daimler Chrysler Team Spirit Award, and others. The team has continued to collect awards, including several Quality Awards recognizing their innovative machine design and performance.

The Gene Haas Foundation sponsors the FIRST Long Island Regional competition. They acknowledge the rising demand for skilled manufacturing professionals and support training programs that equip the upcoming workforce in the STEM fields. Alongside, Team 287 also received support from several sponsors, including FESTO and Riverhead Building Supply.