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Application process:

Returning members: At the end of the school year, returning members take an application packet, fill out the information required of returning members, and write a short essay summarizing their time on the Killer Bees, as well as their goals for the future. This is read by core mentors. You also sign up for an interview time. During the interview, one of the mentors talks to you personally about your time on the Killer Bees, and your goals, and may ask specific questions. Returning members are always prioritized during the application process, but must apply again.

Non-new students: At the end of the school year, students who already go to NDP but were not previously on the team can also apply, at the same time as returning members. The same basically happens, with a slightly different essay question. After the returning and non-new student applications are reviewed and members are accepted, they are now part of the Killer Bees and are encouraged to come to local off-season events.

Freshmen/New Students: In the fall, there is another round of applications for Freshmen/students who did not previously attend NDP. Same as non-new student applications. They usually join the team early enough to see the Kettering Kickoff.

Usually, all applicants are accepted. During the end-of-year applications, we always leave a certain number of spots for Freshmen. If there are too many applicants, then the mentors/key parents discuss if we can grow, and are capable of handling a larger number of people.

Going to competitions:
All students are welcome to go to all in-season and local off-season competitions. Students must pay an additional fee for travel to St. Louis. For the IRI, our only travel off-season, a select few are invited by Jim Zondag, and we ride down in a Sprinter van.

Leadership positions:
Competition positions are applied for during the build season and appointed by the council of mentors. However, student leaders almost always participate in OCCRA, and usually lead on their own, without a title. It is usually obvious who most of the leaders are because they are the ones who are the most dedicated. The competition positions which are appointed are comp team (driver/operator/hp), pit crew (4 members), lead scouts (2 lead scouts, runner, video), and chairmans presenters (3). Usually, the students who were drivers in OCCRA make up the comp team, the most dedicated non-driver members make up the pit crew. Any student not assigned a specific position is expected to scout.

Making build decisions: We have a quote on the wall that says "The world is run by those who show up".