Congrats JVN! WFA Finalist at Bayou

[Ricky Q.]

Is this really not up here yet?!?

Congratulations to JVN, mentor of 148 and so much more, for winning the WFA at the Bayou Regional Friday.

John has done so much for so many, including his teams past and present, and this is well deserved.

Thanks John, for being a motivator and inspiration to all.

Congratulations!

[Chris Fultz]

Congrats John.
Awesomeness. :)

[Pavan Dave]

As soon as I heard Chief Delphi, I was like "it can't be JVN... can it?" Congratulations John!

[Schnabel]

Congrats John! Well deserved!

[Arefin Bari]

Well deserved John. Congrats.

[GoSparx]

YOU'RE MY HERO JOHN!!! I LOVE YA MAN

-Dante

[Richard Wallace]

It had to be. Congrats, JV. Well earned.

[Jason Morrella]

First time I met and worked with John was at the Cleveland Regional in 2002, where I came away so impressed with how he carried himself and led his team, especially for such a young guy. Who would have thought 5-6 years later we'd both be working together again at the same company? Funny how life works. JVN is a great team leader, a great engineer and worthy choice for the award. Plus we know the award won't go to his head, as he works with a bunch of people who will constantly remind him if it does. :)

Anyway, I was thrilled when I saw the news, very much deserved. Congratulations John! You and the 148 team have built quite an impressive program.

[Tim Delles]

grats john!

[Jonathan Norris]

Congrats John! well deserved for everything you do for your teams and FIRST!

[Jay TenBrink]

Congrats John from all of us Martians and More Martians 70 and 494. I am proud to know you.

See you in Atlanta for your big Woodie Flowers Finalist Award winner bear hug.

Jay TenBrink

[Adam Freeman]

Congratulations John.

Hope to see you in Atlanta.

[Beth Sweet]

Congrats John, all of you great finalists are going to make the Atlanta judges heads spin!

[rourke]

Congrats John!
No wonder I've lost all my money to you. Tough to beat a Woodie Flowers finalist. But I'll keep tryin'!!!

[Derek Bessette]

Congrats John.

You are very deserving of this award. Team 1114 apologises for running up your text message bill. We just couldn't help ourselves, we were all so happy for you! See you in Atlanta.

[Billfred]

Congrats, John!

(Quick, everyone, revive the "I am JVN" craze!)

[Vince lau]

congratulations John, well deserved

[Rich Kressly]

Sometimes you hear news so good you can't stop smiling. I don't think there is a more fitting tribute anywhere than this is. 148 (and all of FIRST for that matter) is so much better because you are a part of it.

Thanks and congrats John.

[Pat Fairbank]

Congratulations, John!

[RyanN]

Congratulations John!

By the way... where is John?!? No post yet from him!

[JudyVandy]

Congratulations, John! (This is the second 'congrats' from me this year, isn't it? You've also won the hand of a very lovely lady, haven't you?)

[Pat Fairbank]

By the way... where is John?!? No post yet from him!
John hasn't posted on CD (in the public forums, anyway) since June of 2006.

[Karthik]

I've tried to write this post numerous times, but I don't think I can effectively convey how inspiring of a person John is. He's a brilliant designer and a true role model for both his students and colleagues. All of Team 1114 was ecstatic when they heard the news. You truly have made a lasting impact on all of us.

Congratulations, buddy. You earned it.

[Kevin Kolodziej]

I think I have only been around John for a grand total of four days, but the insight and advice he has provided me, mentor to mentor, in those four days is right up there with the guidance I received years ago as a student from some other fairly knowledgeable mentors. The impact he had on my students during his one day visit for the Milwaukee Vex Mentor Challenge is something that they are always talking about. As everyone here on CD knows, his reach is far beyond his own team, and for that, we are ALL thankful.

Congratulations, John.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Congratulations, John. I knew it was only a matter of time. You know a better congratulation is coming in Atlanta. I will find you somehow.

[John Neun]

I cannot describe the pride and gratitude we feel. John, you are the BEST!

(Our team calls me "John Regular Neun," because JVN is so spectacular!)

[Cory]

John,

When Karthik sent me a message saying you won WFA, we were all excited for you. You truly deserve it, and I know you are inspiring to many, including us here on 254.

Keep up the good work, buddy.

[Andy Brockway]

Congrats John, you have been an inspiration to so many people.

[Sean Schuff]

Congratulations John on a very much deserved and long overdue honor! It has been a pleasure getting to know you over the years and learning from you. You have a gift for FIRST that you share with everyone and, just as Dean wants, everyone wins!

See you in Atlanta!

Sean

[JaneYoung]

(Our team calls me "John Regular Neun," because JVN is so spectacular!)

I doubt there is such a thing as a 'regular' Neun, Mr. Neun!
What a moment this must be!
Jane

[Chris Fultz]

Congrats John - So cool.

[Stu Bloom]

Congrats John, I don't know anyone more deserving ...

I'll see you in HOTlanta!

[AndyB]

Congratulations John! The V stands for Vendetta right?

[JVN]

Thank you all for your kind words.
I will try to live up to this honor.

John hasn't posted on CD (in the public forums, anyway) since June of 2006.

Sometimes it is more appropriate for an individual to listen than it is for him to speak.

-John

[KathieK]

Congrats, John! Whoo, hoo!

[techtiger1]

John completely deserving soo glad you won, good luck to you and 148 and have a safe trip to Atlanta. 1251 and I will see you there!

[Jim Zondag]

Congrats, well deserved. You are an inspiration to us all. See you in Atlanta

[Dan Richardson]

When I heard the announcement I was very happy, because I am JVN.








hehe just kidding man, it was fun talking with you at Bayou congratz...

[V.Pope]

Team 148 students, teachers and mentors stand with great pride next to JVN in all that we do and accomplish.
This award highlights not only his dedication to our team, but to the entire FIRST organization.
Our students comments include :
Sasquatch said : "he is a good example of what FIRST can produce"
Snowflake said : " he is very deserving, I had fun writing the essay and really proud it is what he needed for the win."
After only two years with Team 148, his influence has established a sense of professionalism among the students and their drive to success.

[Jeff Waegelin]

Congratulations, John. You've always been an inspiration and role model to me, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than you. It's great to see the very first Unsung FIRST Hero finally get recognition for everything you do.

[John Wanninger]

This is wonderful news! What a fitting tribute to someone so deserving! Congratulations John, and count me in among the umpteen who have directly benefited from your help, inspiration, perspective and wisdom.

[Chris Hibner]

JVN WFA? WTF!?!

(that's fudge - get your mind out of the gutter)

Seriously though, congratulations. I suppose you deserve it and all. :)