[MrB]

I agree 100%...

It is very important that the impact of FIRST on the students involved is communicated to the school district. If the district does not support the team leaders or enthusiastically support the students to excell in technology, scince and math the team will be doomed.

Strong financial and technical support from local industry is also extremely important, but I know quite a few teams here on Long Island (NY) that have very successful teams with very little sponsorship.

As long as the district supports the team, the team will live on. Make sure you show your school districts how important FIRST is to your education..... Even better, have your PARENTS tell the district how import FIRST is to the school district!