[Rich Kressly]

All teams experience non-robot related issues, although I'd say your situation is more difficult than most.

To me, the important thing is for all team members to feel valued and regardless of who goes and who stays, the team stays together and continues to be productive. The last thing you want is people quitting or giving up after your decision is made. Your decision can be based on many different criteria. Look to tour fellow Brasilian teams and their more humble beginnings. I'm sure their growth can inspire yours.

Here's one possible way to deal with your difficult situation. I'd give the most productive and oldest students the first chance to go. If younger students will have an opportunity to travel next year, I'd be in favor of a student who is graduating and won't have the chance again next year (provided they are productive). All the while, I'd be sure to let your team know that they are all pioneers blazing an uncharted trail that will have a lasting impact in the future of their school and community.

You can even use NASA's Mars missions for example. Seven or eight people get to field questions and take a bow in front of the media after two robots land on Mars. The whole Mars team consists of hundreds of people. The few who step center stage earned the right to, but you also know that those leaders, behind the scenes, are doing an awful lot to share their appreciation for the rest of the team and their hard work. Celebrate small victories along the way, when a mechanism is finished, give all those students credit. I'd put all team member names somewhere on the robot as a gesture of team unity as well.

For those disappointed students, have them understand that their sacrifices will benefit the future and have them look to the future years. That should help provide inspiration and motivation for fundraising efforts. Also, try not to rely only on large corporate sponsors, have each student participate in fundraising if you haven't done it already. Have you contacted teams who are close to your regional venue and inquired about them possibly hosting your team (to reduce/eliminate hotel costs)? Your task is difficult, but not impossible, and the whole FIRST community is here to help in any way they can. Many teams, in their infancy, cannot afford to travel with all members, but they build for the future. Good Luck!