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Originally Posted by Katie_UPS
So how about we look at this a different way:
I would not call this a "publicity stunt" because I doubt this does much to publicize FIRST.
Also, I'm not entirely certain why so many people are bashing something that could possibly be the change between a student getting in or getting rejected from a college (I imagine that the award might help justify a lower GPA or a shorter list of extra curriculars). Is it really that bad that FIRST wants to help out the students involved?
Once again, honor is great and most people love having their ego's inflated/stroked/brought into existance, but that's pretty much all that does for a senior. It actually helps out a junior. Functionality over feelings?
So, lets say your senior wins it. This role model of a student is of DL(F) caliber. Now they're gone and graduated. No more role model for your team. Maybe they'll come back to mentor, but now they're a mentor. As a mentor, its not as much about how you were as a student (which Dean's List recognizes) but who you are as a mentor (the Woodie Flowers award). I could probably write three paragraphs about why I don't think the honor really transfers, but I'll let people wrestle with that one on their own and move on.
Now lets say your junior wins it. The student will be around for another year to serve as an example for younger students and the rest of the team. Your students will see the kind of kid that FIRST considers to be pretty neat (especially compared to other students). In theory, this should breed more DL kids and WILL change some culture. Your future leaders are leading their fellow students on their team. Not wandering off to college or whatever their post-high school plans may be.
There are many ways to think about this (and I'm not asking you to agree and change your mind, but just to consider what I'm saying).
One last thing: I don't think FIRST has the time/money/volunteers/judges to split this award into two categories. And what if a team wants to submit a sophomore or a freshman?
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I do see some of the points you bring up, and they are valid. Though, I don't agree that the senior won't still be a role model. I was inspired by all of the seniors who came before me, and I never let up on my goals to surpass them. I'm finally realizing those goals now. In the same way, If someone wins the Dean's List, they will not be forgotten. Everything they have done to deserve the award and how they acted will be remembered. The Junior would still be at the school and continue to be an influence, but even the senior would be a huge role model to those who he inspires.
Also, I don't think any viable Dean's List candidate would suddenly abandon FIRST and be forgotten, part of the criteria for judging is future plans for involvement in the FIRST community. If someone is a Dean's List winner, and all they do is stroke their ego and leave FIRST, they didn't deserve the award.