[BillD in MD]

To the North Point High School community,

We've learned with great sadness about the loss of Chris Hoefort. We want you all to know the thoughts and prayers of the entire FIRST Robotics community are with you.

We stand ready to help the NPHS Electric Eagles team 3650 in any way. I know the team has close support from the Robobees team 836, and we want you to know there are many others throughout the region who are ready and willing to help, as needed.

With the ship date for the FIRST Robotics Competition coming up next week, it may be understandably very difficult for the team to complete work and then prepare for a competititon. This team, in its rookie season, is due to compete at the Chesapeake Regional on March 17-19 in Baltimore. On behalf of the Chesapeake Regional Planning Committee, we urge the team to ship its robot in whatever condition it may be -- you will find a large community of support at the Regional to help complete the robot on site and participate in the competition. It may prove to be a very therapeutic way for the team members to move forward.

Please keep us informed of developments with the team, and of memorial services for Mr. Hoefort.

With our condolences and prayers,

Bill Duncan
Assistant Regional Director for FIRST in Maryland