A loss of a Mentor
 

I have not posted in a long time, but I felt that this needed posting. John Korzick who was a mentor for team 1516 and most recently an assistant regional director for FIRST, passed away on Sunday.

I was the Team Captain for 1516 in 2007, and Mr. Korzick was our mentor. We were a very small team, who worked the KISS philosophy to the max. We took that to the #3 seed at SVR, ended up winning there, and finally placing 8th in the Archimedes Division in Atlanta.

Mr. Korzick firmly held the philosophy that it was our robot, but he provided us guidance, and support. He taught us many life lessons, but always made us work through our own problems. You never saw him with the team on the playing field wearing the "dot" badge, but he was always in the first row to cheer us on. When ever we had frustration with our robot, he would walk over to us and say "you gotta dance with who brung ya."

I will never forget his face when our humble team with one mentor won the Silicon Valley Regional. I have attached a photo of that day.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-...ear-dies-heart

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

I heard about this the other day. My condolences to his family and Team 1516. I only interacted with him a few times, but he always impressed me with his passion and dedication to the program and the kids, a truly inspirational mentor. He will be missed.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

Team 3484 from Marysville, Ohio extends their utmost condolences and sympathy's.

Sorry for your loss. He sounds like a person who truly brought about the goals of FIRST

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

Sorry to hear that. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

From myself and all of team 103 our thoughts and prayers go out to your team.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

Sounds like a great mentor. Sorry for the loss of a great person.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

It sounds like John Korzick was an exceptional mentor and inspriation to us all. It's a sad day when we loose one of our own.
FRC Team 1501 sends it's condolences to FRC Team 1516
Rest in Peace John.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

"You gotta dance with who brung ya."

I will remember this for many years to come. This is a wonderful gift to your team. Thank you for sharing your mentor's message and the photo with all of us.

Peace be with you and with those who are a part of Mr. Korzick's family and his community.

Jane

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

Please pass along our heartfelt condolences to his family and team. He will be missed.
Al

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

Sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure his memory and legacy will live on in the students he inspired.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

I met John for the first time at the San Diego regional this year. Since then I got to spend time with him at a couple other regionals including Silicon Valley. In that short time I got to experience a truly wonderful person with the greatest of personalities.

John will be truly missed.

Re: A loss of a Mentor
 

May he rest in peace, and may goodness and peace find all those whom he now watches over.