The dust is settling, my email box is emptying, NBC is beyond thrilled with the weekend, and it appears that everyone made it home in time to start school.
A big thank you to the 24 teams from 6 states and DC who gave up their last weekend in August to join us in Washington. I have heard many comments from the uninitiated-FIRST world about how incredible these students are, and how gracious they were when explaining about FIRST. Some teams were interviewed on tv and radio, and NBC is now wishing they had done more. Thank you for going with the flow, for not arguing too much when we changed some of the rules
and substitutions, for putting up with our fluctating NBC dictated schedule, and for keeping the show going to the end. NBC is telling me that 40,000 people saw you at the event. You were terrific and I hope you had fun.
A big hug and thanks to each of the 55 volunteers from 8 states and DC who were just amazing at helping with this show. I would like to mention each one of you (but won't
)In looking over the list, it occurred to me that this group of volunteers represented dozens and dozens of teams. All but a couple of these volunteers were team-related (rather than event related) and have been students on teams, mentored teams, sponsored teams. I am now wishing I had a sheet in pit admin where each volunteer could have written down the teams they have been associated with over the years. You all understand and get what this is about and that made my life so much easier. I am so appreciative.
It appears that several FIRST-ers were big door prize winners at the Expo. Cameras, iPods and I believe a plasma TV. I'll let you tell who you are. I know I came home with a great little thermos.