[David Brinza]

Another example of Dean's homework paying off!

Kansas Congresswoman Nancy Boyda addressed the KC Regional crowd after Dean Kamen spoke to the participants and showed a video of his robotic human arm in action. Nancy Boyda declared that she was proud to be a geek (she has a degree in chemsitry) and was very excited about what she witnessed in the FIRST competition. Nancy promised that she would help lead action in Washington to get FIRST into many more schools in the US. The KC Regional provided an excellent showcase of what the FIRST program is all about to two members of Congress.

Dean asked the students to thank their sponsors and mentors for making FIRST possible. Dean indicated that he has received over 4,000 e-mails from FIRST members "doing their homework" and that it is paying off. He believes FIRST is ready to grow even more rapidly, to reach out to many more students and that getting government officials to attend the FIRST events is an important way to promote FIRST.

Congratulations to the KC Regional Organizers and sponsors for a very successful inaugural event and congratulations to the teams for their display of GP - you've all made very good impressions on people who can make things happen!