Senate Resolution No. 1885 BY: Senator THOMAS HONORING the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Robotics Team, POBots upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Regional Chairman's Award at the FIRST Robotics Long Island Regional Competition WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their educational endeavors and competitions, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State; and WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves through excellence in scholastic competition; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Robotics Team, POBots upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Regional Chairman's Award at the FIRST Robotics Long Island Regional Competition at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York; and WHEREAS, A non-profit organization headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST was founded by investor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen with the hopes of inspiring young people to pursue further studies and careers in science and technology; and WHEREAS, Hosted by the School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, the FIRST Robotics Long Island Regional Competition, with the theme Destination: Deep Space, asked teams to score points by using robots to gather as many cargo pods as possible and prepare a fictional spaceship for liftoff before a sandstorm arrived; and WHEREAS, The multi-day tournament attracted 77 teams, each of which received a kit of parts and were given six weeks to design and build a robot weighing up to 120 pounds; and WHEREAS, Based on their team excellence in promoting and demonstrating the values of FIRST Robotics, the POBots were awarded the prestigious Regional Chairman's Award which qualifies them to participate in the International Championship in Detroit, Michigan; and WHEREAS, Robotics classes teach students various skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, leadership and ownership, all of which have led the robotics program to a high level of success; and WHEREAS, The incredible talent displayed by this team is due in great part to the efforts of Coach Phillip Caputo, a skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, The members of the POBots are loyally and enthusiastically supported by their school, family, friends and the community at large; and WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, these students now stand honorably, with just pride in their accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by their teachers, coaches and parents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Robotics Team, POBots upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Regional Chairman's Award; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Robotics Team, POBots, and Coach Phillip Caputo.