[Eric O]

I believe that 177s policy for travel is similar to participating on a sports team. I don't know the exact numbers because the school administrator that participates on the teams is responsible for that. I do not think there is any grade requirement for participation. We have had students that participated during the season and did not get to travel with the team.

I will say that I disagree with denying a student right to join the team because of grades. To me, the whole point of the Inspiration in FIRST is to inspire students who may be off track, students who are looking up to Athletes and Hollywood stars. If they see no reason to change their attitude toward learning then how will they ever get on track? I see mentors as a chance to give that student motivation toward brining up their grades or even assisting them in doing so. Teenagers often rebel against parents and teachers, but I have been amazed at how seriously students have taken FIRST mentors advice. If the students that need the advice from someone they admire and are never given the chance to receive it then that is disappointing to me. Those are the students whose lives could have the largest change due to FIRST.

I agree that there should definitely be travel restrictions if the grades are not brought up because the student has had the chance to and has still not done so. If they have truly been inspired and want to participate, they will get the grades up and be back the next year.

Like fishing, some may get away as you are reeling them in, but never letting out enough line to get the big ones at the bottom is just disappointing.

Eric