[R2K2D2]

I think that this situation needs to be handled in a very delicate manner. I think first and foremost you have to realize that this person is just a student and not an advisor. High school students sometimes tend to not view everything as objectively as an advisor. I say this from first hand experience as I am a college mentor on team 461. If a student is feeling distant and has an attitude problem, it is your job as the mentor to take them aside, and one on one try and discuss and figure out why that student feels the way he/she does and how best you can aide to change that. This is what has worked for me: I am very upfront with our hs students. If they have an issue that effects the team, or even themselves, I take them a side and talk to them in a very NON-confrontational manner. You have to be calm and understanding.

Now, as far as changing the driver goes....I would not change the driver rigth before nationals. Unless the driver is doing something very wrong, which according to what you said is not happening, then don't change your driver. The practice rounds, regionals etc gives the driver tremendous amounts of experience and insight that quite honestly, can only be absorbed through participating in those events. You should sit down with the specific group of students that said to remove this person from this position and ask them specifically why. Ask them to give you specific reasons as to fundamental mistakes that student has made as a driver. If these can not be produced, then it makes no sense the change the driver. If that is the case, you need to explain this to the group of students. Maybe see why the don't "like" him/her. Try and make them understand where this student is coming from and why they are the way they are. Just take the time to understand the issues of discontent between the two parties, and address them to one and other.

Remember, you are an advisor. You don't just help these students build a robot, you help them build their lives. You aid in their development as a person, everything from technical skills to personal skills. If a student has an issue, be their friend, their mentor, sit down and help them work through it, that's why you are there. Invest the time and effort into getting to know them and understanding them. Invest the time in bringing the team closer together, even if it's just one student who is not fully "team oriented". It will make a difference in these students lives and the dynamics of the team.