[Alex2614]

Wow. That's all I can say after SMR. I was very impressed with each and every student, mentor, parent, volunteer, etc. at the event. Everybody truly exemplified Gracious Professionalism at its best, and honestly represented FIRST and what it is about.

I want to extend a shout-out to our alliance partners, team 4265 Secret City WildBots from Oak Ridge, TN, and 3843 MCRT RoboRacers from Murray, KY. You guys really proved that you were the best of the best, and we couldn't have asked for a better alliance. I have never seen better teamwork in the seven years I have been involved in FIRST.

A very very special shout-out goes to team 3492, Putnam Area Robotics Team (PARTS) from Winfield, WV on their Engineering Inspiration Award. What a tremendous honor, and we are proud to call you our partner. For those that don't know, these guys were caught up in the big water chemical spill mess in January in southern West Virginia, and missed 2 or 3 weeks of build season due to the lack of water across the region. Keep making West Virginia proud! We Mountaineers showed those Tennesseans how it's done! It was an honor to sing Country Roads with you and 1249 at the end of the event. We will see you in St. Louis! Montani semper liberi