East Rutherford, NJ – A new chapter in STEM excellence is being written at Becton Regional High School, and it’s going global. The BECTOBOTS, Becton’s rising-star robotics team, have qualified for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship in Houston, Texas during April 2025 Spring Break—a first in school history and a defining moment for the district’s future-ready STEM movement.

Launched as a small club of builders and dreamers, the BECTOBOTS have evolved into a regional powerhouse, recently crowned FTC New Jersey Regional Champions and standout competitors at the FTC State Championship. Now, the world stage awaits.

“This is what happens when you combine purpose, passion, and the scientific process,” said Dr. Sforza, Superintendent of Schools and former STEM Supervisor & Teacher. “We’re not just teaching STEM, we’re transforming lives and building futures.”

At the heart of the BECTOBOTS’ story is a powerful group of student leaders—many of whom are young women boldly breaking barriers in engineering, coding, and leadership. Among them, junior Medhasree Suram, winner of the prestigious Dean’s List Award, will be part of a group of students representing Becton and New Jersey in Houston, Texas showcasing their achievements in robotics, innovation, and academic excellence.

“Watching these students grow from wide-eyed learners to engineers, coders, and inventors has been incredible,” said Mrs. Mackanin, longtime science teacher and Robotics Advisor. “They’ve earned every bit of this moment.”

“Every student on this team is solving real-world problems,” added Mr. Bononno, Principal. Mr. DiDomenico, STEM Supervisor couldn’t agree more, stating “Our Bectobots are preparing for careers in AI, robotics, software development, aerospace, medicine, and so much more.”

STEM AT BECTON: INNOVATION FROM THE GROUND UP

Behind the BECTOBOTS’ success is an expanding and immersive STEM ecosystem that prepares students for high-demand careers through hands-on learning, advanced coursework, and early exposure to industry pathways.

COMPUTER SCIENCE & CODING TRACK:

• Intro to Computer Science → Foundational coding, algorithms, digital fluency
• AP Computer Science A → Software Engineering, App Development, Java Programming
• AP Computer Science Principles → Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI, Ethical Tech

SPECIALIZED AND EXPLORATORY SCIENCE & INNOVATION COURSE OFFERINGS:

• AP Biology → Careers in: Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Health Sciences, Biotech Research, Medical Lab Technology
• AP Chemistry→ Careers in: Chemical Engineering, Pharmacology, Material Science, Toxicology, Environmental Testing, Cosmetics & Food Chemistry
• AP Physics→ Careers in: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, Architecture, Quantum Computing, Data Analytics
• AP Environmental Science→ Careers in: Environmental Policy, Sustainability Consulting, Climate Science, Urban Planning, Renewable Energy Systems
• Anatomy & Physiology→ Careers in: Nursing, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, Occupational Therapy, Medical Imaging
• Marine Biology→ Careers in: Oceanography, Aquatic Conservation, Marine Ecology, Aquaculture, Wildlife Biology, Coastal Engineering
• Zoology→ Careers in: Veterinary Science, Animal Behavior, Zookeeping, Wildlife Conservation, Exotic Animal Care
• Astronomy→ Careers in: Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, Planetary Science, NASA Research, Satellite Design
• Forensics→ Careers in: Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation, DNA Analysis, Crime Scene Reconstruction, Law Enforcement Technology
• Environmental Science→ Careers in: Conservation Biology, Water Resource Management, Waste Management, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability
• Physical Science→ Careers in: Scientific Research, Laboratory Technology, Education, Materials Testing, Engineering Prep
• Intro to Engineering Design→ Careers in: Civil Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Engineering, Architecture, CAD Modeling, STEM Startups

ENRICHED MATH FOR STEM CAREERS:

• AP Calculus, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, Calculus Honors, Statistics & Probability → Career Paths: Engineering, Finance, Machine Learning, Risk Analysis, Aerospace

CLUBS & FIELD-BASED STEM EXPERIENCES:

• Robotics (BECTOBOTS) → Systems Design, Mechatronics, Engineering
• Environmental Club → Climate Science, Policy, Sustainable Design
• Horticulture Club → Agricultural Tech, Botanical Research, Ecology

ELITE SENIOR CAREER EXPLORATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS FOR REAL-WORLD STEM CAREERS

Becton’s Senior Career Exploration Internship is a hands-on, immersive experience connecting students with mentors and professionals in leading industries. Each year, a growing number of students pursue STEM-related internships in fields like:

• Biomedical Research, Nursing, & Genetics
• Cancer Research & Oncology
• Mechanical & Civil Engineering
• Aerospace & Aeronautical Technology
• Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science
• Computer Programming & Cybersecurity
• Pharmaceutical Science & Healthcare Innovation
• Green Energy, Architecture, and Industrial Design

This program gives students real-world exposure while still in high school, offering a powerful launchpad into college, trade school, or immediate career entry.

“This internship program is a game-changer,” said Dr. Sforza. “It bridges our classrooms with the workforce, connects students to purpose, and sets them on a path toward meaningful, high-impact careers.”

STEM GROWTH POWERED BY PASSIONATE EDUCATORS & PARTNERSHIPS

Becton’s incredible STEM momentum isn’t just about programs—it’s about people. Thanks to a bold district-wide STEM initiative and a strategic partnership with a third sending district, Maywood, higher education and industry collaborators, Becton has seen a wave of new STEM educators and courses flood the halls over the past few years—bringing energy, expertise, and enthusiasm into every science lab, coding classroom, and engineering space.

“The transformation has been remarkable,” said Mrs. Calvanico, Supervisor of Personnel. “We’ve recruited and grown an elite team of STEM educators who bring real-world experience, creativity, and commitment to our students every single day.”

A special shoutout goes to Becton’s very own Mrs. Calasso, recently named a 2025 “Teacher Who Rocks” for her incredible contributions to STEM instruction. Her impact—along with that of our veteran math teachers, such as our 2025 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Mendelsohn, science teachers and rising new STEM leaders—has been a driving force behind Becton’s surge into high-level science, technology, engineering, and math. Together, this team is fueling innovation from the inside out and ensuring that every Wildcat has the tools, mentors, and inspiration to thrive in the world ahead.

FROM WILDCATS TO WORLD LEADERS As the BECTOBOTS prepare to represent New Jersey and Becton Regional High School on the global stage in Houston, they carry more than just a robot—they carry a vision of what’s possible when a district commits to creativity, critical thinking, and cutting-edge opportunity.

BECTON BUILDS FUTURES. THE BECTOBOTS PROVE IT.