Bethpage Schools proudly partnered with FIRST Long Island to host the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Practice Tournament at Central Boulevard Elementary School on December 7-8. This marks the third consecutive year that Bethpage has welcomed this event, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to fostering STEM education and innovation among students.
49 teams from all over Long Island, each comprising up to ten students, gathered to showcase their robotics skills, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback. These practice sessions provided teams with the opportunity to refine their designs and strategies ahead of regional competitions.
Bethpage’s own FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams, representing Central Boulevard School, Charles Campagne School, Kramer Lane School and JFK Middle School, participated in the morning session on December 7. Their enthusiasm and ingenuity highlighted the district’s dedication to nurturing young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Bethpage High School students added a touch of inspiration to the event with their powerful renditions of the National Anthem, kicking off the weekend. Special thanks go to Amanda Schneider, Allyson Yalbuzdag, and Sahana Passaro, whose performances set a celebratory tone for each session's Opening Ceremonies.
FIRST Long Island’s collaboration with schools, businesses, and community organizations creates dynamic opportunities for students to explore careers in technology, engineering, and science. Since its inception, FIRST Long Island has facilitated partnerships with over 100 schools and local businesses, leading to more than 30,000 internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities.
Through programs like the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST LEGO League Challenge, and FIRST LEGO League Explore, FIRST inspires students to become leaders in technology-related fields. FIRST LEGO League in particular introduces students to the world of robotics by combining programming, problem-solving, and teamwork in a creative, hands-on environment.
Bethpage is thrilled to continue its partnership with FIRST Long Island and looks forward to hosting this impactful event in the future. The district remains dedicated to empowering students to think critically, innovate boldly, and work collaboratively—a foundation for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.
As robotics season progresses, Bethpage is excited to see how its students and teams from across Long Island apply their skills and creativity to excel in the coming competitions.
