[Mr.B]

Andy provides a clear frame that focuses our attention on the importance of the hundreds of FIRST mentors, without whom this program would not exist.

I urge the students of FIRST who are empowered to succeed, who are given the opportunity and resources to discover their passions and potential in great part because of the effort and energies of committed mentors, to take the time and acknowledge the gifts they have received, and the persons who made those gifts possible.

The act of framing a thoughtful and articulate Woodie Flowers nomination is an act of selflessness, respect and humility. It is an acknowledgement that you and your teammates understand and appreciate that FIRST is so much more about the heroes and heroines that form the fabric of our lives, and so much less about the creation of modules, mechanisms and machines that serve only as the metaphorical center of mass for the FIRST experience.

The Woodie Flowers Award is not something to be won, but rather something to be shared.

Through the act of framing a nomination, you are sharing the most important aspect of the FIRST experience; The recognition that people possess the power and passion to make a difference.

The act of recognizing the importance of a particular mentor creates a culture of graciousness, humility and respect that helps to ensure the continued support of this important ingredient of FIRST’s success; Great Mentorship!

Whatever success a FIRST team achieves would be diminished in some measure if the young people involved did not make the effort to share their gratitude and respect for an important person on their team whose commitment and energies impacted their lives….permanently, and for the better.

This award is called the Woodie Flowers Award because it celebrates the character and values of a gracious and humble person whose personal and professional achievements demonstrate that we not only possess the power and passion to make a difference but that power and passion can be clearly communicated and shared with others.

I have been familiar with the FIRST experience since 1994, and I can name dozens of men and woman whose selfless dedication and commitment, whose energy and efforts have changed so many lives for the better, more than qualify them for WFA recognition. And I don’t even know 1% of all the deserving mentors.

I am asking the young members of FIRST to recognize the importance of what these wonderful people are doing, I am asking that you set aside the time, and make the effort to share your love and gratitude by taking the time to script a WFA nomination, and in so doing, share the wonderful gifts you have received.

Please, take the time to reflect on the importance and value of great mentorship, and then communicate your love and understanding of this cherished resource by nominating a mentor from your team!

With my deepest respect,

Michael Bastoni
A person who was nominated by gracious and giving students, who continue to achieve wondrous success in living and giving.