[Carolyn_Grace]

This was the best Boilermaker Regional that I've attended.

Kudos for having it be brighter! In the past, my main complaint was the venue was too dark, but this past weekend it was actually great! Someone informed me that they usually cover one of the windows, but that they didn't this time. In my opinion it made a huge difference and was awesome.

As usual, all of the teams were so friendly and the volunteers top-notch.

Thank you especially to our referee staff, led by Volunteer of the Year Andrew Corrington. This game is difficult to work, but you did an amazing job communicating with each other and reviewing all calls as needed. I appreciate the tough job you have this year.

The laser light show at Awards Ceremony was THE COOLEST THING EVER! Seriously, I love that you were able to do that for the second year in a row. It's a great way to decompress after long days of competition, and it's great that awards are in the auditorium with comfy seats!

Lastly:
Congratulations to Mike Taylor, team 1529 Lead Mentor, tireless volunteer and creator of #BotChat. It's about time you were recognized as a regional Woodie Flowers Award Winner!

On a professional level, Mike has mentored me as I finish my teaching certification and apply for jobs. Having him as a resource through this process is priceless. I see how he works with his students on a regular basis, and I see the love that they have for him. He inspires in more ways that he will ever know.

On a personal level, Mike is one of my best friends, and one of the very first people who welcomed me with open arms when I moved from FiM to Indiana FIRST. From hikes in the woods, geo-cache adventures and food truck missions, Mike always has an ear to listen to my endless talking and gentle words of advice when I need it. He made moving to Indiana the easiest thing in the world.

Thank you to the Woodie Flowers winners who read his essay and decided that he deserves to be recognized for his work in the classroom and FIRST. I know it means a lot to Mike, but it also means a lot to his students, alumni, family and friends.