[JaneYoung]

Below is what we have come up with to submit to FIRST and to Autodesk. Please read it and make comments/suggestions either here in the thread or via PM. We will let you know how we are going to do the petition or letter. (I checked with one of my attorney friends and a petition can be signed by minors. If anyone knows any differently, please let me know that as well.) Thank you and stayed tuned.
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- the animators put in as much, and sometimes more, effort into the creation of the animations as the other students put into the creation of the robots

- this is the only incentive program that acknowledges and recognizes their efforts

- this is one of the few parts of the FIRST program that demonstrates that FIRST is interested in inspiring students about more than just robots; that technical animation is also a valid technical field that deserves recognition and respect

- the regional animation awards program is very important to the animation teams, and a major motivation for their efforts

- reducing the animation awards to just a national award will significantly reduce the level of interest in the animation competition - nearly 80% of the teams will not be attending the Championships in Atlanta and will not be in attendance for the presentation of the award, and will not pursue it for that reason

- without the regional animation awards program, we predict a significant reduction in the number of teams participating in the animation competition, impacting the entire season/program

- even if Autodesk will not sponsor the award, it should still be given out (either sponsored by someone else, or without specific sponsorship) at the regional level; the winner can be selected by popular vote, judging like the website awards, or animators selection

- in the entire history of the FIRST program, a competitive technical award has never been removed from the program; does Autodesk want their name to be associated with the first time this happens?