View Single Post
  #52   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-04-2004, 09:47
Unsung FIRST Hero
Waynep Waynep is offline
217 Alum, Former 395/348 Mentor
FRC #1923 (MidKnight Inventors)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Rookie Year: 2000
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 199
Waynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond reputeWaynep has a reputation beyond repute
Yeah Chickens!!!!

The ThunderChickens are a positive model for other teams through and through. GP students, teachers, and engineers. Mascot and swag make them stand out, but the depth and compassion that the team has truly differentiates them (not to say that other teams don't, but they are a good example). I wanted to share a story about the ThunderChickens at Nationals. When the ThunderChickens heard of how limited a budget we were operating off of and the fact that we could not get into the team party because we pulled out of the FIRST package and made our own arrangements in order to afford taking more students down they set out to do something about it. Starting within the Chickens they took up a collection of the meal coupons that they did not use and wrist bands to the team party from mentors that were not going. Furthermore, led by the students, Kristen in particular, they went around team to team and asked for any additional wrist bands. As a result, all of the students on Team 395 were able to attend the wrap celebration. To the Chickens and all of the teams who donated wrist bands I cannot thank you enough for how much that meant to my students. This is just one of the many examples of the TCs helping out, technical assistance was given to more teams than I can count.
They have a phenomenal crew of engineers. Paul, Jim, Bob, Bill, Rick, Ed have taught me almost everything I know. Behind the scenes, others should be acknowledged too and I encourage you to seek out these people and talk to them the next time you see the TCs, Jen (Mrs. C) is in charge of the accounting for the team, Lisa (Jim's wife) heads marketing and Chairman's and is largely responsible for the teams FLL push. Best possible thing to do with a robot widow, convert them to a Botophile Although the TCs stem from many different schools, all of their teachers come from the Utica Math Science Technology Center (MST) and form the backbone of the team. Anita, Deb, Mike, and Mr. Arscheene are there for the students and lead by example of what they expect of the Chickens. Not to mention keep rowdy students like me in line
To all of the ThunderChickens, I thank you. I've learned so much from you. You've been my personal inspiration and motivation for continuing to be involved in FIRST as well as expand our efforts in the NY front. You've touched the lives of so many and I hope you will always continue doing so. Regardless of which one of the numerous shirts I wear out here, I will always be a ThunderChicken at heart.

Paul, shame buddy that we didn't go further in Elims. I thought we had a pretty bloody awesome alliance. We'll get back at 'em some other time. Meanwhile I hope you're brushing up on your poker skills before IRI, Baker's got bragging rights until then.
__________________
395 2TrainRobotics
Regional Champs- '03 VA, '05 PIT, '05 NY, '06 PIT, '06 NY; Regional Finalist- '04 NY; Engineering Inspiration- '03 NY, '06 PIT; Regional Chairman's Award- '04 NY
348 Norwell Robotics
2008 NY Regional Finalist; 2008 Curie Division Champs; 2008 World Championship Finalists
1923 MidKnight Inventors
2009 NJ Regional Champs; 2010 BOS Engineering Inspiration Award; 2011 CT Regional Champs, Gracious Professionalism Award, Coopertition Award
Reply With Quote