The initiative was sparked by Alan Stella, a physics teacher in the Locust Valley School District. Stella conceived the idea of forming a robotics club using the FIRST Lego curriculum in the EXPLORE division, catering to students aged 6-10. To gauge community interest, he reached out to parents, and a few mothers expressed enthusiasm for the project.

The club is affiliated with FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology), a global robotics program. FIRST® was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, with a mission to inspire youth to engage in science and technology. Over time, it has evolved into an international platform, with clubs currently operating in 110 countries around the world. For more information on this program, you can visit firstlegoleague.org.

The Locust Valley club convenes once a week with a clear goal: to introduce science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to children, specifically girls, as women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. Presently, the club is immersing itself in coding.

In the words of one of its members, "For these students, knowing that their work is being recognized, written about, and highlighted will motivate them even further."

Your Name: Veera Arora

School You Attend and Grade You're In: Anne MacArthur Primary School

What is your interest or achievement? Building and Robotics

How did you become interested in this? I have two older brothers who used to play with Lego with me when I was younger.

What are some things that you've done related to your interest? I joined the Robotics Club at school.

What is your proudest moment related to this interest? I'm proud that we will be showcasing the robot we built to the school and community.

Who do you have to thank for helping you get there? I have to thank the mom leaders of the Robotics Club who put in the effort to make the club successful.

Who is someone you admire? Why? I admire my mom.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved? I think all girls should try robotics; it's fun and a great learning experience.

Beyond this interest, what do you like to do for fun? I enjoy gymnastics and playing tennis.

If you continue with your interest, what do you hope to accomplish? I hope that our team wins in the future.

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DESIGN TEAM, please break out this text:

What would you like the community to know? The support of the community is essential to cultivating these types of programs (true to the old proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child").