The Port Jefferson Robotics Team has emerged as a beacon of excellence at the 2024 Long Island Robotics Regional Competition, which was held at Hofstra University. Out of the 49 teams that participated in this international event, Port Jefferson was chosen for one of the most esteemed accolades: the Gracious Professionalism Award.

“One of the most rewarding parts of being a robotics coach is that you get to see the students take everything they have learned in school and life over the years, challenge themselves with real-world challenges, and come together as a team to develop a solution,” said Brian Chalmers, a Technology and Engineering teacher at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School. “Our team is a well-rehearsed, intentional, talented, and cohesive team of student engineers, I am so proud that they received the Gracious Professionalism Award.”

The Gracious Professionalism Award, one of only 14 awards given out, celebrates teams that exemplify the core values of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), including continuous gracious professionalism, collaboration both on and off the field, fairness, humility, positivity, and respect.

Port Jefferson Robotics Team distinguished themselves through their remarkable demonstration of these principles. Their commitment to cooperation, resource sharing, and fostering connections mirrors the spirit of FIRST. The Robotics Team will be demonstrating the team’s robot at the Long Island Maker Faire on June 8, 2024, in downtown Port Jefferson.