So while the rest of 237 is somewhere in NJ having their celebration dinner...I got back to the computer!!!
First off. Soooo many congratulations! I would like to personally thank and congratulate teams 56 and 303 for being such great alliance pairings. I had a good feeling when you both accepted
To 56 - I've known you guys for a while (since when we raised money for you when you had flood problems)! You always put out something solid, and it was a pleasure to finally work with you. And then there's a team I wish I knew better, team 303, with "The Fridge". You guys are amazing. Absolutley amazing. Without these two top-notch teams, we would have been knocked out long ago.
I also loved when both of your team's ladies came around and shared in our "Thank You" chant. That chant is the thing that brought our ladies through the 2000 UTC regional win, and it was an honor to be leading it and to have you there with us.
I'd also like to congratulate the opposing finals alliance, teams 716, 87 and 613. You put up an awesome fight, and this regional was by far one of the most nail-biting I've ever been to because of you! 237 originally mentored 716, and I thought it was fitting that we played against you. It's marvelous to see what you've grown into. To 87 & 613 - you two are great teams that I (again, sorry
) don't know more about. I'd love to hear from you, you guys were great!
I'd also like to thank the CD posters who recognized me throughout Saturday. I get a kick everytime someone says "Oh, I know you, you're Jess Boucher". (Side note - Brandon, my family made you cookies and passed them off to your dad. There is a separate bag in there for you with 20 cookies in it, so if they're eaten you know who to blame
)
I'd finally like to thank team 237. I know I'm an absolute pain in the butt, with me calling at random times and yelling at you at college in the next state over, but I am seriously proud of how smart you are and the spirit you have...its a perfect mix of old and new, kids and bigger kids, and you have blossomed into a team that I am proud to say that I am a part of.
I must say, people thought I was crazy for working all day on Friday, taking the T from Wellesley to Boston in rush hour, taking a bus from Boston to Hartford, having my 'rents pick me up from there and then waking up at 4am to drive to NJ, but it was all worth it. Not just because of the win, but just the pleasure of being welcomed back into the FIRST family.
And with that, I'm exhausted.
. See you at UTC!