[Tom Line]

Usually I see one of these threads every year. I haven't seen one yet this year, and some recent events made me feel pretty strongly that it's time to bring it up again.

This is directly aimed at team mentors.

1. If you don't have to leave (perhaps you have a 10 hour drive) before the awards, don't.
2. While team awards are being presented, clap. It is also your responsibility as a mentor to teach all your team members that they should be clapping and cheering for the other teams as well.
3. Your students should not be texting, playing cards, playing video games, or anything else during the awards.
4. If you can, stand and cheer. You may be looking at a team playing their last event.

As mentors it is our job to teach the team members what gracious professionalism looks and sounds like. Cheer your competitors. Standing ovations for each award. Let those folks know you're celebrating their success, and they'll be right there celebrating yours later on.

To end this on a positive note, I'll highlight a shining star in this regard. Team 2771 (Code Red) is the loudest, most helpful, most boisterous, most fun, most respectful team I've ever been around. We could all take a page out of their book on how to make regional events incredible.