[woody]

That is a real problem. Unfortunately not everyone will always be as accepting and reasonable as you. I think the best thing you can do is try to explain to everyone that any good team needs many different people with different strengths; unfortunately I am afraid your teammates only see this student's weak points and not his strengths that he could offerthe team. Maybe he is great at writing or has a good artistic eye. Other stuff can be learned in time. Focus on helping him use his gifts and talents to benefit the team as well as helping to improve on any weaknesses - there's no reason why students can be mentors for fellow students.

The fact is, EVERYONE has a place in FIRST. Unfortunately, some people think only the "geeks" or "geniuses" can join... this is a real detriment to the entire FIRST community. Everyone who joins who doesn't fit this mold helps to break down barriers and destroy prejudices in FIRST itself and in the greater community. Don't give up on this kid, maybe having just one friend on the team will give him the confidence and desire to keep going. You may make a huge difference in his life.