Three Hewlett teams win awards at tech challenge

A trio of Hewlett High School robotics captured four awards at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge qualifying tournament held at Lynbrook High School on Jan. 8.

Roboboogie won the Motivate Award, Bionica took the Connect Award and Innovo received the Rockwell Collins Innovate and Alliance awards. Bionica and Innovo advanced to the Long Island FIRST tech challenge at Smithtown West High School on Feb. 11, along with six other teams out of the 27 that competed earlier this month.

The tech challenge has students using problem-solving skills, creative thinking and mechanical skills to control their robots in head-to-head competition.

Inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 as a way to encourage young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. Its programs are designed to help build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills.

School-Business Partnerships of long Island Inc., a nonprofit established by Fred Breithut in 1984, supports the FIRST competitions. The primary goal of Breithut’s organization is develop partnerships between high schools and businesses.