[GeeTwo]

I am confident that a few of our student team members have used alcohol and/or illicit drugs. The practical line is that we expect the team members (mentors included) to show up ready to compete - which means clear-headed and at least decently rested (though that slips a bit in February!). We have sent kids home from build sessions because "you need sleep more than the team needs you like this". By requiring this, I believe that we have inspired a number of students to change their drug habits. Some have cut out (or at least down on) illicit drugs. At least one began taking his prescribed meds more reguarly. I understand that another got his doctor to change his meds to something that suppresses the symptoms of his medical issue without also suppressing his intellect.

Our of our usually unstated goals is to inspire clean living. In some cases we even place this above inspiring science and technology. Transforming the culture for the better is the real bottom line.

Individuals with the fortitude to change bad habits are inspirational. They often prove to be good leaders.