Senate Resolution No. 5474

BY: Senator HANNON

CONGRATULATING the Bethpage High School Robotics,
Regal Eagles Team upon the occasion of capturing the
FIRST World Championship in their division

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 Bethpage High School Robotics, Regal Eagles Team upon
the occasion of capturing the FIRST World Championship in their
division; 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, After earning several awards, including the Engineering
Inspiration Award at the School Business Partnerships of Long Island
(SBPLI) Regionals at Hofstra University from March 31-April 2, 2018, the
Bethpage High School Robotics, Regal Eagles Team participated in the
FIRST World Championships from April 26-28, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of their qualification matches, the
Regal Eagles were members of the top-seeded alliance in the Tesla
Sub-Division Playoffs and joined forces with OP Robotics (Stoney Creek,
Ontario) and Theory 6 Robotics (Mississauga, Ontario); their alliance
rolled through the best-of-three formatted quarterfinals, semifinals,
and finals in their division to a 6-1 record and won the Tesla
Sub-Division; and

WHEREAS, After this monumental win, the Regal Eagles and their
alliance partners played in the Einstein round-robin style tournament
against the other five sub-division winners, and finished third out of
405 teams from around the globe, marking the first time since 2002 that
any Long Island robotics team has participated in the Einstein
round-robin tournament at FIRST World Championships; 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 co-Advisors Dan Zabell and Eric Kay,

skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their ability to develop
potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, The Bethpage High School Robotics, Regal Eagles Team
members are loyally and enthusiastically supported by their Principal,
Michael Spence, the entire school staff, family, fans, friends and the
community at large; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated members of the Bethpage High School Robotics,
Regal Eagles Team's outstanding performance has clearly made a
contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their
school and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the members of the Bethpage High School Robotics, Regal
Eagles Team upon the occasion of capturing the FIRST World Championship
in their division; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the members of the Bethpage High School Robotics, Regal
Eagles Team: Ysabella Bachmeier, Gianna Battaglia, Matthew Bury,
Christopher Cetin, Ryan Fina, Anthony Galeotafiore, Michael Hanley,
Morgan Heller, Raphael Katigbak, Aidan Lin, Maya Maciel-Seidman, Drew
Maggio, Owen Mikulski, John Mingst, Pawan Pitiranggon, Smiti Shah,
Sajinder Singh, and Blake von der Esch; and co-Advisors Dan Zabell and
Eric Kay upon the occasion of capturing the FIRST World Championship in
their division; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Bethpage High School Robotics, Regal
Eagles Team, Dan Zabell and Eric Kay, co-Advisors, and Michael Spence,
Principal, Bethpage High School.