[Doug G]

Wow - what a thread. I know the CA is the ultimate award, but don't forget its all about having fun and inspiring students. We're a small team of 15 students with very little funding, and yet did a lot of outreach this year like starting and mentoring two new teams, helping to host a local kickoff, and volunteering / tutoring in the local Jr High and Elem schools. We attended only one regional and submitted a CA entry. The students were very proud at what they did - unfortunately the feedback from their entry was that we do not have enough students, mentors, and funding. Sadly, the students were very bummed out - I think they forget that what they did was still amazing regardless of whether they win the CA or not. We will continue to strive our best, having fun, and doing the most with what we have.

I'm tempted to agree that multiple CA's not be allowed, but that's not right - those teams have earned it - and should be recognized especially if they continue to do so much year after year.

I'm just waiting for a Division A/B system to open up for some of these Awards (like what they do for Academic Decathalons). It's just hard to imagine that we'll ever be a huge team with lots of funding.