This question is so good, I think I'll even reply to it myself!
The person who left the biggest inpact to me this year, is actually a person who was in himself, a microcosm of the spirit of a whole region. This year marked the first ever regional which I was able to announce at, NYC FIRST. It also marked the first time I met one of the regional organizers at that competition, Rich Wong. After spending so much time in FIRST, it is sometimes hard to remember exactly what makes FIRST so wonderful. However, when you look into the eyes of Rich and see the excitement and genuine caring he brings to the students of the NYC Region, you can't help but feel inspired, no matter what your previous experience as been. The regional itself was amazing. I hadn't been to a competition with so much electricty, and such a fun atmosphere since my early days when the New England Regional was held at New Hampshire College. The kids were amazing, showing so much spirit all around the room. In the middle was Mr. Wong, charging back and forth with an excited fire in his eyes and never a moment without a smile. Heck, I dont think I ever saw one person in that building without a smile that day (well, except maybe for the pit announcer
). Here's to you Rich Wong and the rest of the NYC area, and thank you for making me a believer once again.