[alex.lew]

Chairman's Award is hugely important to FIRST. Even though it doesn't recognize every team that deserves the award, it cultivates so many skills. (And, even if you have a great robot, you may not win the regional.) The essay builds writing skills. The actual presentation itself hones your communication skills. The years of outreach enhance your community awareness. Through your outreach, you show your region that science and technology are important.
Chairman's gives us something to work for over the off-season that makes a difference. Just reading some of the submissions shows the huge impact this award makes. Although Chairmans can be given to only one team per regional, it inspires us to reach our potential in FIRST and in the future.