[Mike Martus]

I have known Joe from that very first day at Pontiac Central when I, along with other staff members were called into the office conference room to listen to a presentation from Delphi. Who or what was Delphi anyway?

What I was exposed to was a young ( he is still young) very spirited engineer pitching something called USFIRST. I was very reluctant but in the coming weeks I soon realized that Joe was about "Making a Difference" in the lives of young people - same philosophy I had. From the very start I had great respect for this man, that continues and grows today.

I will always remember Joe using an ordinary yellow pencil to question "Why". The students and myself were captivated with his interactive presentation. this concept given to me that day is the cornerstone of my Pre-engineering program at Pontiac Central High School.

His influence upon FIRST and The Community of FIRST are not measurable they are so vast and far reaching. However, like Joe has said, in other words, the impact is really on the lives of many students here at Pontiac Central as well as schools unknown.

Joe, I thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for the The Community of FIRST and most of all the influence you have had on my teaching career.