They say technology is our nation’s future and if that’s the case, it’s not too far-fetched to say that the students participating in the Garden City Robotics League (GCRL) have gotten a real leg up on their peers. In its first season of existence, the GCRL teams made a strong showing at the FIRST LEGO League Qualifier Tournament held at Central Islip Senior High School on February 2 and 3. One squad, the Robotic Rebels, even wound up taking first place for its entry in the Innovative Solutions category for its Senior Saver entry, a wireless device that shuts off the main gas valve in a home during an emergency situation. With our area having been through the horrors of Hurricane Sandy, this is an invention that can have very real-world applications. This showing by the GCRL promises to be the first of many victories, some of which may come at the next competition on March 3, when our local robotics squads head over to compete at Longwood High School in Middle Island.
– Dave Gil de Rubio
