[WEHickok]

Honorable mention is relatively new, but before the Chairman's Award was given at a regional level, all teams entered at the Championship (Nationals in those days). Five teams were recognized, four as runner-ups and one as the Championship CA winner. The four received an award...A mirror with two of the gears from the Chairman's Award Clock and a plaque that said "Chairman's Award winner in the Making." Some teams won that many times before winning the Chairman's Award. I think of Team 16. They won the Runner-up at the Championship four years before they won the CA. My team, the Heroes Of Tomorrow, won the runner-up twice at the Championship. Winning multiple times does not mean that you will win the Championship CA, but it does mean that you are doing the right things, so keep it up...your time is coming.

Also, there are many comments about low number teams winning. This is to be expected. Part of the Championship CA is legacy. Higher number teams may not have demonstrated their legacy yet. The may be the best at a regional, but not at the Championship. The Chairman's Award is not about doing something great for one year, you need to do great things year after year.

Good luck to all CA Regional Winners. And to those that tried and didn't receive recognition (win), come back stronger next year. Plan now for how to improve your team. Look for something to do during the off season (whenever that is). Keep up the good work. The bar keeps getting raised each year.