[JVN]

Paul,
Congratulations. Of course you are SO incredibly deserving of this award, none of us were surprised to see you honored.
I thought Woodie's speech about you was great, it was touching to hear the looong list of your accomplishments (Man, it seriously gave me tingles).

One that was forgotten...

"Paul Copioli has taken the time to not only mentor his own team, but to also directly mentor a college team from upstate New York. His energy, dedication, and passion spread across the great distance seperating the two teams, and he helped to inspire even more students and also to provide a positive role-model for some young mentors."

Over the past year, I have gotten the chance to work very closely with Paul on several projects. We partnered together on the FIRST Kitbot, and also on our 2005 robots. I consider myself lucky. The things I have learned from him will serve me for the rest of my life. His positive influence on team 229, and on our students has been incredible. We are better, having known him.


His impact on his students, and on all of FIRST is amazing.
We are ALL lucky to have Paul, and I am happy and proud to call him my friend.

Again -- Congratulations to you Paul!
Enjoy the spotlight which you have earned, and continue to be a role-model for the rest of us.


Thank You -- Your Admiring Friend,
John