[Mike Martus]

As an educator I see students every day that just "Don't get it". What I am referring to is the idea of "choices" and how the choice may affect their entire future. I am a strong believer in making positive choices based upon solid information and values aimed at the good of self and society.

All to often students will come into my class ( Small Engine Repair" ) and just sit making no effort at doing the material. Their excuse is "I did not choose this class". Welllllll...... most of the time they did choose the class. No choice is a choice. They made no choice. They let their lack of interest in their education be controlled by others. They are just coasting along with no direction. A computer selected the first open slot.

I have a presentation I make to all my classes called " Do you get it". During this presentation I make many students very angry because they know I am talking about them. Others perk up, wide eyed and suddenly understand what "It" is ( not Deans invention).

I say all this because FIRST is the BEST educational influence on students our high school has seen in, well, my 30 years as an educator in Pontiac Schools. Members of the FIRST team get the opportunity to make positive choices that will change a path that was not very good. I am not saying that FIRST has "saved" our students. No. FIRST has provided positive choices that make a difference in our students, school and community.

Our FIRST team students are hard working young adults that are making a choice to explore and be inspired about science and math in a way that provides many great choices for their future. They are proud of the partnership with Delphi and all the accomplishments over the years. In our community when you speak about Pontiac Central, conversation immediatly turns to the FIRST team and how proud they are of the team.

It is very important for our students to be part of such a great program as FIRST. Ask any of them about their growth educationally since they joined the team, you will see that they made the right CHOICE.