I have to chime in here... the criteria states:
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Criteria for selection of the FIRST Dean’s List shall include, but not be limited to a student’s:- demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ideals of FIRST;
- interest in and passion for a long term commitment to FIRST and its ideals;
- overall individual contribution to their team;
- technical expertise and passion;
- entrepreneurship and creativity;
- ability to motivate and lead fellow team members; and
- effectiveness at increasing awareness of FIRST in their school and community.
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Please reconsider this phrase, as it implies that Dean's List Awardees must have technical expertise - yet many, many of our students and mentors are providing critical expertise to teams in non-technical areas.
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It is the family’s hope that this Award will encourage the passion in all FIRST students to promote the FIRST mission both as a student on an FRC team and for years to come as members of the FIRST student alumni.
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I think you can be passionate and promote the FIRST mission regardless of your technical expertise.
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The award was created during the 2010 FRC season by the Kamen family in recognition of Jack and Evelyn Kamen; parents of FIRST founder Dean Kamen. Jack, who passed away in August of 2008 at the age of 88, and his wife Evelyn have been fixtures at many FIRST events. Their humor, along with a positive and supportive attitude, truly symbolizes the FIRST culture. In fact, Jack is the designer of the playful red, white and blue geometric shapes that create the FIRST logo which wonderfully balances the technical and emotional sides of what FIRST is all about. Dean’s mother, Evelyn, is a tireless caretaker for her family and is an exceptional teacher, principal and tremendous FIRST supporter. She lends her experience as a leader of schools to chair the judge panel that selects the FIRST Dean’s List Award winners...
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Forgive me, Libby, for I didn't know your grandfather and have only met your grandmother once or twice - but the award was created to recognize them - and their wonderful support of FIRST. I know of lots of young students, mentors, alums who do the same in a non-technical role. So why does the criteria emphasize technical expertise?