We are the POBOTS, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 353 from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview, New York. We participate in the FRC on a regional and national level. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology", and is devoted to motivating students to reach their full potential in the fields of science and technology. To accomplish this goal, FIRST hosts Robotics competitions around the globe. Every January, the FRC announces a new competition in an event called the Kickoff. After the Kickoff, nearly 2000 FRC teams enter a six week build season, to fabricate a robot from scratch that can meet the demands of the competition.
Being a FIRST team is much more than building robots. A FIRST team must also work hard to produce quality work, be competitive (yet respectful) of other teams, and maintain an environment of integrity, creativity, and teamwork. All of these aspects fall under the term FIRST coined "Gracious Professionalism." Under this policy, teams should be competitive, but still be able to offer a helping hand to any team that requires assistance. To learn more about FIRST, check out USFirst.org.
Of Special Interest to the POBOTS
Relationship with Team 541, Miller Place, and their Coach, Pat Hughes: Pat Hughes and Frank Saladino have been friends since college – and their bond has created a relationship with their teams. Both teams support each other, and compete feverishly, and have even managed to be a part of the same alliances. At the local competition, at Nationals, these 2 teams are always there for each other.
Relationship with Trio Hardware: Trio Hardware has been a contributing part of the POBOTS since its inception, and has always been there for the team. Whether at the store, in the Memorial Day Parade, on our website, or through our robot/pit cart decorations, their name is displayed. Year after year, we can count on them for last minute supplies. Some of our students have even made great employees there!
Team 353 has “seeded” Long Island with mentors, teachers and engineers, all due to their participation on the POBOTS. One engineer came to our team as an engineer, and decided to return to school for his degree in technology education, is currently teaching on Long Island and has started a team of his own! Graduating students are now student teaching and teaching in Long Island schools, and have been instrumental in starting FIRST teams in their own Districts. Visit our alumni page to see where are graduates are now...always spreading the word about FIRST.
