MHS takes lead in robotics competition

Malverne High School’s robotics team, which has 36 students, participated in the School Business Partnerships of Long Island’s 12th annual FIRST Robotics Competition on March 25 and made it to the next round of the competition — the Nationals in St. Louis.

Team built a robot that won Long Island’s highest honors in the FIRST Robotics competition held this past week at Hofstra and now qualifies to go to the national competition in St. Louis on April 28. More than 50 teams participated and robots had to complete a series of difficult tasks.

Mentored by an engineer from Lockheed Martin and with the support of their teacher, Mr. Chuck Vessalico, the students from grades 9 through 12 did everything from designing, building and creating the computer program necessary to operate their robot.

To attend Nationals, the team needs funding and is asking the support of the community. Those interested in donating can send a check, made out to Malverne High School Robotics Club, to Charles Vessalico, Malverne High School, 80 Ocean Ave., Malverne NY 11565.