The high school’s robotics team, consisting of 14 students from grade 10 through 12, emerged as big winners in the FIRST Tech Challenge qualifier events held in January, earning first place in the Inspire Award. The victory advanced them to compete in the Long Island Championship on March 9.

The Islip squad, guided by team advisers Brian Brachio and Erika Dannenfelser, also earned first place and the first runner-up spot for the Think Award, first runner-up for the Innovate Award, and second runner-up for the Connect Award, Control Award, Design Award and Innovate Award.