School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI) DBA FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Long Island, has announced that FIRST LEGO® League Team #45172 “Meteorites Cubed” was one of the top five winners in the Core Values Award category at the virtual FIRST LEGO League Open International Greece, which took place on June 24-27.

The Core Values Award is presented to a team which displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, knows they can accomplish more together than they could as individuals, and shows each other — and other teams — respect at all times.

Eduact, the FIRST LEGO League Operating Partner in Greece, hosted a virtual FIRST LEGO League Open with 200 teams from all over the world to celebrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and robotics, and combine this ancient civilization with technology and innovation. Out of the 200 teams participating, Meteorites Cubed took fifth place in the Core Values Award category.

In addition to the tournament, the Open featured quizzes, traditional dances and team twining games which enhanced the look and feel of the event, bringing the FIRST community closer.

This is the second award that the team won this year. It was also the Champion Award winner at the virtual SBPLI Long Island Championship that was held in March.

“The kids were amazing,” said Cathy Temps, Coach, FIRST LEGO League Team #45172 “Meteorites Cubed.” “They were very active in the tournament, and enjoyed taking part in the activities. I’m very proud of their achievements.”

“We are so proud of the team’s achievement and the fact that Long Island has always placed an emphasis on the Core Values of FIRST,” said Stephanie Stern, Co-Director, FIRST LEGO League.

FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. FIRST LEGO League participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping  today’s students and teachers build a better future together. In FIRST LEGO League, students engage in hands-on STEM experiences, building confidence, growing their knowledge and developing habits of learning. FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.