Chairman's Issue
 

Yeah, we missed the deadline for Chairman's this year. At least a dozen people had overlooked the am-pm issue. Never again, let me tell you. Anyways, my main question is if we are still able to do the presentation and show the video that we worked so hard on, or is all of that lost as well? Also, if we wanted to shoot for the Engineering Inspiration Award, will this hinder us greatly?

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

It is tragic that you guys missed the deadline. You have an outstanding team with 1 Chairman's Award already in your recent history (2009).

I doubt they let you present, but you can show the video from your pit, and use what ever presentation materials you had prepared to talk to the judges from your pit.

While Engineering Inspiration and the Chairman's Award have different criteria, there is a lot of overlap that can be used.

By the way, just saw your robot on YouTube. It looks outstanding. Can't wait to work with you guys in KC. See you in a couple of weeks.

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

You should be able to give your material to the judges when they come by your pit and explain your situation to them. There is still a good chance that you can win EI even without presenting to the RCA judges. Understand that the judges that come by your pit will probably not have time to read your RCA essay or view the CD, but they might have the time to read your RCA presentation.

I do admire your attitude regarding missing the deadline. Way to face your problem and figure out the best way to deal with it.

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

We also missed the submission. THough ours was our student clicking save instead of submit. I have contacted the Judge Advisor at our regional and asked if we can interview for the experience. Our student in charge of the awards is graduating and it would be extremely beneficial if she could pass her interview experience down to the student taking over for her next year. What better way than to present at the Regional. No word yet from the JA.

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

If the judges say no, try to get a group of other teams or just their mentors together to listen. It would give a similar experience and I bet none of them would turn you down.

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

Thanks for your support, I think that we will try that out. Also, I return the compliment; our team has been greatly impressed by you guys in the past as well. Good luck at competition!

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

Thanks everyone, I think that we will try out the idea of just prepping someone in the pit with everything that we would say at the presentation anyways. Also, good idea about playing the video in the pit too. I feel better about the whole situation now. Good luck at competition everyone!

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

Find ways to make use of the work that you put into your Chairman's this year. After the competition season, think of how it can be put to use in presentations, outreach, your website, etc. Also, be sure to archive it for historical purposes and to use as a starting place for next year.

I'm sorry this happened to your team. Some of the lessons we learn are very painful but, they stay with us, make us wiser, and help us grow. This new season is still out there in front of you. It may not unfold the way you had planned or hoped for but go.get.it. Don't give up on yourselves or your team.

Jane

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

That was another way we had thought about if the regional judges didn't have the time.

Thanks.

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

When 1902 was a rookie team, they traveled to Lone Star Regional here in TX. I met Wendy Austin at the regional and found her to be a true force of nature. She had enough energy to inspire her team, the rookie teams around 1902, and veteran teams that she met. Our Chairman's team was nervous and had been practicing outside in the gorgeous spring weather when Wendy happened upon them. She stopped what she was in the middle of doing (pick 1 of a million things) and listened to them. Just by listening to them, it helped them gain confidence and feel like they had something important to say/share. It was very cool and it made me see how teams can inspire and support one another. One of those 'aha moments' that helped change the way I mentored and thought about it. Wendy is wise.

Jane

Re: Chairman's Issue
 

I help with the Chesapeake Regional and for the past 5 years have trained Student Ambassadors. There is always a lot of overlap between the Student Ambassadors and team members who do the RCA presentations. Each regional is different but the experience as an ambassador talking to the public and the VIP's is similar to doing a RCA presentation (except you are usually walking while talking.;) ) Enthusiasm and being able to talk about your team and what they accomplished, along with talking about the big picture of FIRST are all important. But would not be showing your video.

You might inquire whether your regional has such a program and if so, volunteer your RCA presenters for this role!

RE: video. Your video can come in handy for next season for sponsorship and outreach.