Riverhead Rocket Drones Program Continues to Soar
Pulaski Street School Students Found ‘Riverhead Air Force’ and Capture Top Honors at Long Island Drone Competition
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (JULY 2026)—The Riverhead Central School District Rocket Drones program, which began during the 2024–2025 school year, has continued to thrive, providing students districtwide with a hands-on STEM experience and leading to the creation of Pulaski Street School’s dedicated drone technology group, the Riverhead Air Force.
Founded by several Pulaski makerspace club members and library media specialist Crystal Valentin-Espinosa, the Riverhead Air Force enables students to take their drone technology skills to the next level and participate in advanced challenges. The team represented the district in the inaugural Long Island Drone Competition, organized by Nassau BOCES and Rocket Drones, and faced off against 90 other competitors across from Long Island.
“Our very own Leonardo Lopez soared to the top, securing first place in drone basketball and achieving the highest overall points,” said Robert Hines, district director of technology. “Leonardo also captured second place in line-of-sight racing and the title of ‘Top Pilot for Riverhead.’”
In fall 2024, Riverhead EdTech coach, Jen Sauter, shared the stage with Rocket Drones co-founder Brandon Turk at the Long Island Technology and Education Summit, and Rocket Drones launched its classroom rover kits. A spark was ignited, and the Riverhead Central School District became one of the first in the nation to embrace this innovative program and launched its program with four kits.
“Riverhead has blazed a trail for other Long Island schools to follow,” said Mr. Hines. “By the spring of 2025, our third and fourth graders were taking to the skies. Ms. Sauter brought the excitement directly into classrooms, introducing a fresh flight challenge every week. In just five weeks, our students transformed into confident pilots, mastering everything from safe flight navigation to gravity-defying stunt maneuvers.”
Excitement and engagement continued to rise with a drone assembly that visited the district’s elementary schools and featured Ms. Sauter and Rocket Drones co-founder Brandon Turk. A professional commercial pilot, Mr. Turk inspired students and shared insight on the wide range of career possibilities within drone technology. Fourth graders proceeded to sharpen their skills during a five-week unit, tackling complex obstacle courses and perfecting precision landings, while third graders embarked on an introduction to drones in spring 2026.
“Looking ahead, the horizon is bright,” said Mr. Hines. “The program will continue to empower our third and fourth graders while expanding into the Pulaski makerspace club and incorporating drone technology into Riverhead Middle School’s curriculum.”
For more information about the Riverhead Central School District, please visit the district’s website at www.riverhead.net. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverheadCSD. #BlueWavesPride.
The Riverhead Air Force participates in advanced drone challenges.
The Riverhead Air Force showcases students’ excitement to engage with drone technology and enhance their skills.
Riverhead Air Force members continue to develop and showcase their drone skills through challenges and competitions.