[Al Skierkiewicz]

Officially, I mentor Wildstang and rookies who are turning to us for help each year (1 or 2). These are not full time mentoring, just a day here and there with email questions thrown in. In addition, I mentor FLL at the middle school here in Wheeling and we have fielded as many as seven teams in past years, two this year. Many rookie teams need help at events, and Lead Inspectors are in a great position to help as they know how events are handled and what new teams need to know as the weekend progresses. They also know which teams in the pits may be best able to assist with certain problems and which teams are struggling. That part of 'gracious professionalism' that causes inspectors and other mentors to help, kicks in at events to insure that all students have a great time.