Michael “Mike” Whelan’s career in education reflects his commitment to hands-on learning, innovation, and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

After being discharged from the United States Army in September 1973, Mike used the GI Bill to attend SUNY Oswego, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and certification as an industrial arts teacher. He later earned his Master’s degree from Stony Brook University. His years at Oswego provided the foundation for his career in education as well as many lifelong friendships. While there, he played rugby, a sport he continued to enjoy for years afterward.

Mike returned to Long Island and began his career at William Floyd High School in January 1980. In 1999, he became the Technology Department chairperson, a position he held until his retirement in 2008.

One of Mike’s most lasting contributions to William Floyd was helping establish the FIRST Robotics Team 287 in 1999 with Chris Ryon. Known as “Floyd Robotics” and historically as “Hurricane Floyd,” Team 287 was created to give students opportunities to explore engineering, technology, design, public speaking, and teamwork. At a time when high school robotics was still a new concept, Mike helped recruit students, secure workshop space in the school’s technology wing, and build support for the growing program.

Under Mike and Chris’s guidance, Team 287 developed a reputation for creative design and strong teamwork. In 2001, the team earned both the Xerox Creativity Award and the DaimlerChrysler Team Spirit Award while also finishing as Regional Finalists. The team later received the prestigious Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers Entrepreneurship Award in both 2002 and 2004.

Team 287 taught students that robotics was about much more than building a machine. They approached the team like a business, giving students experience in engineering and fabrication as well as leadership, fundraising, communication, organization, and problem-solving. Through the FIRST Robotics Competition, students also had opportunities to work alongside mentors, engineers, and mechanics while designing and building industrial-sized robots for competition.

Mike continued leading Team 287 until his retirement in 2008. Throughout nearly three decades at William Floyd High School, he served as a teacher, department chairperson, and mentor who believed strongly in learning by doing. His legacy can be seen not only in the robotics program he helped build, but in the many students who gained confidence, skills, and opportunities through his teaching.

Since retiring, Mike enjoys playing golf, boating, and spending time with his family between Long Island and their upstate property. The programs he helped create and the students he mentored remain a lasting reflection of his dedication to education and the William Floyd community.