This year, Ronkonkoma and Oakdale-Bohemia middle schools participated in the global Hour of Code initiative, an event designed to introduce millions of students to computer science through one-hour coding activities.

The event, held during Computer Science Education Week, was led by math/computer science teachers Jennifer LaRose and Patrick Brady under the guidance of K-12 Director of Mathematics and Computer Science, Louise Burger.

Over 500 students from both schools competed in coding challenges on the OYOclass platform, completing maze code playlists. The competition was fierce with students earning limited-time badges in OYO and prizes, including Slurpees and Big Gulps donated by local 7-11 stores.

Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School emerged as the winner with the highest number of badge earners. Ronkonkoma Middle School’s Christian Buglione and Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School’s Jacob Ingraselino were chosen as badge raffle winners, each receiving a custom Connetquot Codster T-shirt.

“It wound up being an enormously successful event where we saw student passions for coding and competitiveness come alive,” said Patrick Brady. “We will surely continue this event for years to come.”

Click here to view the OBMS and RMS compete in Hour of Code slideshow.

Date Added: 1/7/2025