Assembly Resolution No. 404

BY: M. of A. Thiele

congratulating the Southold High School Robotics
Team RICE 870 upon their designation as a Finalist
in the FIRST World Championships

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
congratulate the Southold High School Robotics Team RICE 870 upon their
designation as a Finalist in the FIRST World Championships which took
place from April 19-22, 2023, at the George R. Brown Convention Center
in Houston, Texas, where 620 teams from over 30 countries competed; and

WHEREAS, Team RICE 870 went 16-7, successfully making it through the
Einstein Field, and thereby securing their position in the Finals,
during which they and their alliance partners, 5460 and 125, concluded
their season as World Championship Finalists, placing second in the Daly
Division; and

WHEREAS, Prior to this monumental feat, Team RICE 870 went 13-4 in
the first regional competition which was held from March 20-22, 2023;
the team competed against 45 teams from four countries and was a
finalist and the recipient of the Judges Award; and

WHEREAS, Team RICE 870 then captured the second FIRST Long Island
Regional Championship from March 23-25, 2023, at Hofstra University's
David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Center; they won this competition
with a record of 13-2, beating 47 teams from four countries; in
addition, they received the Innovation in Control Award; and

WHEREAS, Southold High School Team RICE 870 is composed of students
from both Southold and Greenport High Schools; R.I.C.E. is an acronym
for the team motto: respect, integrity, compassion, equity; and

WHEREAS, Robotics classes teach students various skills such as
critical thinking, collaboration, communication, leadership and
ownership, all of which have led the Southold High School Robotics Team
to a high level of success; and

WHEREAS, Co-advisors Bob Gammon and Christine Schade have done a
superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward
their goals; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Southold High School Robotics Team RICE
870 are loyally and enthusiastically supported by their school, family,

friends and the community at large, and upon their return from the World
Championships, they were greeted by all of their many fans; 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
congratulate the Southold High School Robotics Team RICE 870 upon the
occasion of their designation as a Finalist in the FIRST World
Championships; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Southold High School Robotics Team
RICE 870: from Southold High School, Sofia Gillan, Ava Rose, Flynn
Klipstein, Brian Schill, Bryce Keels, Will Helinski, Noah Berry,
Elizabeth Estrada, Laila Rose, Rylee Owens, Anna Colosi, Danna Duarte,
Amy Estrada, Kimberly Gregorio, Caige Kaessinger, Harrison Craigue, Mae
Dominy, Madeline Palumbo, Michaela Lynch, and Emma Binkis; and from
Greenport High School, Declan Crowley, Nate Stevenson, Shepherd Odell,
John Harvey, Brae Iglesias, and Noah Ganguzza; and Co-advisors,
Christine Schade and Bob Gammon.