[Barry Bonzack]

I have completely missed this thread until now. Team 1390/1604 together have had an animation every year since 2004. FIRST teams have been lucky to have Autodesk provide a competition for teams to animate and be motivated to compete as part of a team that has little to do with the actual robot. This is a skill that is able to be used in many areas, ranging from brining engineering ideas to life early in its conception, to recreating historical events digitally, to the advancing world of video game design. Here in Orlando, EA Games has recently moved their headquarters near the University of Central Florida and train students to hire right out of college. Having the ability to learn animation in high school is a wonderful opportunity for students aspiring to go to college and make a career with this skill. DeVry also has an animation track; learning this is college gives the students a jumpstart. However, not all teams have the ability to compete at the Championship in Atlanta. 1390 was able to make the trip last year, but has no plans to attend in the future due to budget issues. If there is no animation competition and award at the regional level, the teams that can not afford to attend in Atlanta will not be motivated to have an animation team. I hope this letter succeeds in its goal.

You have my signature
Barry Bohnsack, team 1390