Longwood Central School District Receives NYSSBA Culture of Caring Recognition for RoboLions Unified Robotics Program

The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) has presented the Longwood Central School District with its Culture of Caring recognition, honoring the care and thoughtfulness shown by the Board of Education, administration, teachers, staff and students in establishing the RoboLions Unified Robotics team at Longwood High School. Catherine Romano, Area 12 Director for the NYSSBA Board of Directors, formally presented the recognition at the Board of Education's September 10 meeting.

The Culture of Caring recognition celebrates the meaningful, often unseen work happening inside school districts that strengthens their culture and community. In Longwood's case, that work is a unified robotics team where students with all different abilities build side-by-side.

The RoboLions' Unified Robotics program pairs students of varying abilities as teammates in a hands-on engineering environment. Together, they design and build fully functional adaptive robots using real tools and real processes, including a robot that allows students of all abilities to shoot a basketball. Ms. Romano noted that the program extends the inclusive spirit of unified sports into an academic and extracurricular setting, where students learn from one another and build something their peers can use for years to come.

"The Unified Robotics Team presents an opportunity to solve for both sets of students," said Ms. Romano. "Life will always bring challenges. Overcoming them is a team effort."

The recognition traces back to a Newsday feature story published in April 2026, which spotlighted the program's student-led origins and its impact on the school community.

The certificate, signed by NYSSBA President Christine Schnars and Executive Director Robert S. Schneider, commends the district's "contribution to a positive district and community culture."

The RoboLions compete in FIRST Robotics, where the team has been recognized with the Impact Award in 2025 and the Gracious Professionalism Award in 2026, an honor that reflects the teamwork, respect and character the program is built on. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lance Lohman praised the team's approach. "You guys are not looking for recognition," he told the students. "You see a need, you fill it. That is what Longwood represents."

The program was built and led by students and is guided by coaches John Hirdt and Jennifer Stehle. Board members also thanked the parents, families and mentors whose time makes the program possible.

The Culture of Caring recognition will be displayed prominently within the district.

Read the Newsday feature on the RoboLions' Unified Robotics program at www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/long-island-longwood-unified-robotics-icjjbnz8.