Local students build LEGOS for Everglades conservation

By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

LIGHTHOUSE POINT | For nine local students, building LEGOS is more than a game. The Lighthouse Lego League Legends team – whose members are ages 10-13 – must weld and solder their state-championship-winning LEGO innovation robot design by this summer to raise awareness for Everglades conservation.

“The problem is that invasive plants and animals are invading wetlands and putting the native creatures at risk of going extinct and need our help,” said Theo Argento, 10, to judges during the team’s innovation presentation. “Our innovation project focuses on keeping all of our waterways healthy by targeting invasive species that are disrupting the natural ecosystem. Ecosystem imbalances pose significant threats to underwater and nearby habitats.”

Earlier this year, the Lighthouse Lego League Legends team – who are the South Florida Regional Robotics Champions – ranked third out of 88 teams at the FIRST LEGO League Florida State Championship at SeaWorld Orlando Feb. 7-8, 2025. They were then invited to represent Florida and the need for responsible Everglades conservation on a global stage at the Western Edge FIRST LEGO League Open invitational in Long Beach, California May 30-June 1. 

"FIRST LEGO League guides youth through STEM learning and exploration at an early age," according to the website. "Students will understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way." Over 679,000 participants from approximately 110 countries participate in FIRST LEGO League.

The Lighthouse Lego League Legends team includes homeschoolers Gavin and Theo Argento; Cal and Henry Bartoszweski; Sean Friel; and Joel and Josiah Hooper, as well as Thomas and William Oates from A.D. Henderson University School in Boca Raton. The Argento and Oates families are from St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Lighthouse Point; the Bartoszweski family from Mary Help of Christians Parish in Parkland; the Friel Family from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Coral Springs; and the Hooper family from Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. Cal and Henry Bartoszweski, Sean Friel, and Gavin and Theo Argento are homeschooled through a Catholic program.

Coach Alex Argento spoke to the influence of faith on the team. "Before one of the final rounds, I gathered the team for a short prayer because I wanted them to take a moment to center themselves, find peace, and remember that, win or lose, their hard work and teamwork mattered more than the outcome. In the excitement and intensity of the competition, it was important to remind them that they weren’t alone—God was with them, guiding their efforts."

The team’s innovation project was updated many times after speaking to experts and taking field trips. World-renowned marine artist Dennis Friel at Connected By Water, a popular conservative podcast, taught the team how harmful invasive species are to South Florida waterways, causing the team to rethink the robot’s original purpose, to treat sick or injured species.

The robot’s current purpose is to remove invasive plant and animal species from the environment. Additionally, the team tested their prototype in Big Cypress National Preserve, where full-time residents suggested treads were better suited for the marshy terrain. At the 2024 Swamp Heritage Festival celebrating 50 years of Big Cypress National Preserve, students heard secretary of the Miccosukee Business Council, William J. "Popeye" Osceola, speak about the importance of protecting the Everglades. 

Most recently, team members spoke to Honorable Mary Little, a federal judge who deals with patents, about their design and the patent process. 

“We are excited and humbled with our team’s accomplishments this season so far,” said Coach Argento, CEO of Hydro Reserve and father of five. “Our team is proud to represent our town of Lighthouse Point and the whole state of Florida at the Western Edge invitational at the end of May. Best of all, our team has learned so much this season. I want to thank the whole FIRST LEGO League community for their incredible support and we strongly recommend participation in the FIRST LEGO League organization.”