[Paul Copioli]

Wow! What a year for 217! This was, by far, our best year as a team. Not just on the field, but off the field as well. There are so many people to thank this year I just don't know where to begin, but I will start with all the people in this thread who gave me their kind words of congratulations: thank-you for your words of encouragement.


To Chelsea (student on 217 who authored my entry),

You have a gift. Your writing skills are very very good and I hope you can use that skill successfully your whole life. Thank-you for all the kind words you put in the essay.

To all of team 217, especially the mentors who let me be the nice guy;

You are all my inspiration and you are why I come back every year pumped and ready to go.

I have met many people over the years through FIRST, many on this forum. But there have been a few that have really made an impression on me that I will never forget:

First, to my best friend in FIRST, Andy Baker; you are truly a modern day hero for students and adults alike. You are the model that I tried to follow in trying to balance family, FIRST, and career. My life has changed since I met you.

Second, to the man who inspired me to post as much as I could on this forum to help out anyone I can: Joe Johnson. You are the man! I got involved on this forum because of you. I got more involved in FIRST my second year because of you (I almost quit FIRST after my 1st season). Meeting you gave me that random "nudge" that set me down this path.

Mr. Al Skierkewicz and Bill Baedke (217),
You gentlemen are what I want to be when I grow up. Your gentle and giving nature are awe inspiring and I try to emulate some of your traits in hopes of becoming a better man.

Ken Patton,
You, sir, are the epitome of class and integrity. What can I say except thank-you for being a role model for all of us big kids that mentor in FIRST.

Kyle and Dennis Hughes,
You two make a great team and I am glad 217 and 27 had the opportunity to work close together this year. I thank-you for the way you handle yourselves, your students, and your family on a day to day basis. Your behavior is an example to all.

John V.,
You are the most impressive college student I have met in my time in FIRST. Our collaboration was awesome. Your insight and design ideas were advanced beyond your years. Good luck at IFI. You will be missed, my friend.

Last, but certainly not least; to my family,
Thank-you for the support and understanding you give me during the grueling competition season. Thank-you for realizing how important what I am doing is to the future of our great Nation. I know you are making great sacrifices for this cause and for that I am grateful.

I know I have left many people out of this thank-you, but I have personally thanked you and you know who you are and how I feel.

-Paul

P.S. - Bear hug total: Copioli 3, Big Mike 2 ....