[Andrea's Mom]

As a teacher and parent of a MOE team member, I have strong feelings about who should and should not participate in a FIRST program. It all boils down to setting priorities - and priorities create very individual choices.

As a teacher, I KNOW that grades are often a poor measure of a student's talents. The FIRST program makes such a positive impact on every student and adult involved; that to deny those benefits to anyone committed to working hard with gracious professionalism is unacceptable. One of the best things about MOE is that a wide variety of skills and talents, from social to mechanical, make each person valuable to the team.

As a mom of daughters who are currently a junior and senior in high school, I can tell you that grades mean more than anything in your profile IF you are going to college. Rigorous coursework, along with good grades, provide students with opportunities for scholarships and admission to highly respected colleges. The FIRST experience is certainly a plus, but it and a C average may not qualify you for the college of your choice.

I teach kids in an alternative high school. We're lucky if 2 kids go on to community college after getting a GED or diploma right after graduation. But even our students would benefit from experience with a FIRST program. In spite of public pressure, not everyone has college in their future The skills and lessons learned during a build season go far beyond winning scholarships and looking good on college apps.

Each student has unique interests, needs and plans for her immediate future. I believe that an FRC program experience is valuable to anyone willing to adhere to team rules and the spirit of FIRST.

. . . sheepishly stepping down from my soapbox now . . .