Patchogue-Medford Robotics Team Awarded Grant by Zebra Technologies

MEDFORD, NEW YORK (DECEMBER 2023) — The Patchogue-Medford High School Robotics Team has been awarded a sponsorship by Zebra Technologies, a global leader in enterprise visibility and data capture. The $10,000 grant will provide the team with essential resources and mentorship opportunities, enabling them to participate in national competitions and improve their technological capabilities.

“The Patchogue-Medford High School Robotics Team has built themselves into a source of pride for the entire District,” said Patchogue Medford School District Superintendent Dr. Donna Jones. “Through hard work and innovation, these students have achieved exceptional success and helped us to expand opportunities for Patchogue-Medford students in this field. The dedication and passion for innovation replete throughout our District is empowering students to become future leaders in technology and engineering.”

The Patchogue-Medford High School Robotics Team earned the grant through their hard work and success throughout the 2023 season. In the School Business Partnerships of Long Island Regional 2 competition, the team served as the alliance captain in the finals and finished fourth in pool play against 47 teams from around the world. During their season, the team also won the Rockwell Automation-sponsored Creativity Award and the Innovation in Control Award.

In addition to these honors, the Robotics Team sponsored two teams from Taiwan—Team 8595 and Team 7673—by allowing them to ship their robots to the Patchogue-Medford lab and use their space for the final assembly of their robots prior to the competition. The Taiwanese students also toured Patchogue-Medford High School and attended classes with their Long Island peers, forming meaningful bonds and lasting connections.

Along with the awarded grant, the Robotics Team will have direct interactions with Zebra Technologies professionals who will mentor the students on real-world applications of engineering principles. These mentors will also organize workshops and hands-on training sessions, ensuring the students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving technology landscape. Zebra Technologies empowers those on the front line in retail, healthcare, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, and other industries to achieve a performance edge and utilizes barcode scanners, mobile computers, RFID solutions, and other advanced technology in order to enhance businesses’ efficiency.

"We are incredibly grateful for Zebra Technologies' generosity and belief in our students,” said Patchogue-Medford High School science teacher and Robotics Team coach Robert Pearson. “This sponsorship not only provides financial support but also opens doors to invaluable experiences and industry exposure for our team members."

For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/. #PatMedPride.