[Ian W.]

There's a few things you could say, but I think the best is to use it as an example to show that life isn't always fair, and then light the fires by pointing out that if they win almost any award (any technical award I think) they can go to Atlanta, and if they win the reigional they can go to Atlanta.


As for three, or even four competitions, that's a lot. My old team went to three reigionals each year (save for 2003 which was only two, because of the "war" in Iraq, but that's for another thread), but we had severe budget problems trying to fit it all in. This year I think they're only doing two, which is much more feasible.

Also, don't worry about going to Championships. Yes, it's an amazing experience, and it sucks that your current seniors may never go, but if you don't go this year, you'll almost more than likely be able to go next year the way that FIRST's system works.

Finally, tell them to get working on Chairmans Award material, not for this year, but for following years, because if you win national chairmans award, you get to go to the Championships ever year (I think?).