[aspiece]

I represent a FIRST Robotics Team and Program in Michigan and I would like to offer some perspective for the program and community of Dos Pueblos. I am from FRC Team 68, Truck Town Thunder, Ortonville, Michigan. I am the team leader of the team and teacher. I completely understand the views of the school district here but I would like to offer an opportunity to the team, mentors and students. This is a great opportunity to restructure the team to better align with FIRST to allow all high school students from the district to participate in the team in all grades. A large majority of teams are ran as an after school program allowing students from the 9th - 12th grade to participate. From what I have read about FRC Team 1717, much of the funds collected in the past included a FIRST Robotics team. With the school not utilizing the program during the school day, doesn't mean it cannot be done after school hours. With the amount of support the team has both in the community of Dos Pueblos and FIRST community as a whole, there is no reason for this exceptional team needs to stop existing. I would be happy to share any materials, etc, to help make this happen. I would like to offer my support from Michigan and the entire FIRST in Michigan community. If there is anything we can do to help keep this team functioning, please let us know. FRC Team 1717 would leave a huge hole in the international community and an excellent role model of a team for students and adults look up to as leaders. I would like to say to the administrators of Dos Pueblos that it is important to keep FRC Team 1717 running and participating in FIRST. In the spirit of gracious professionalism, Tell me what you need and I will personally help you sort it out! This team and program has been an inspiration of mine as a leader and I would be happy to give back in any way I can.

For more information on our program, visit our website athttp://trucktownthunder.com/