[Clem1640]

Our team lost school club status after our head mentor (a high school physics teacher) had to leave due to health problems. It was impossible to find another teacher in the district willing to step in, so after exhausting all attempts to find a replacement teacher/mentor, and waiting until it became clear that the original teacher/mentor could not return, the school district cut us loose. It was harsh at the time, but I honestly do not think that the school district had much of a choice.

The good news is that the team not only survived, but thrived. Remaining mentors took ownership of the team's survival. We incorporated. The team spent three years as a wandering robotics team moving from one donated unused warehouse to the next (we currently have a permanent home again).

We also became a better, more active team. I'm sure this was not cause and effect, but adversity can be a galvanizing force.

I signed your petition and wish you good luck.