I've been thinking about this for a couple of days, deciding whether to post or not. I decided to go with it.
842, you guys are such a special team. It is true, all FIRST teams have special qualities and special attributes. But, you guys have touched my heart in a way very few have. I've watched your courage develop and your willingness to share your struggles and sorrows as a team trying to do the right thing for your fellow members. I've watched your mentors do nothing but support, encourage, find ways to make a difference in Arizona and in FIRST through robotics. I've watched very shy people step forward and make decisions to speak to the news media, to politicians, to judges, to any one who will listen. That is no small thing. I've watched all of you handle criticism and difficult setbacks with quiet dignity and grace. Not acceptance - grace. And through it all, you have championed.
Seniors, as you graduate, you take with you the knowledge that you have continued to help develop your team and make inroads into systems that are stubborn, old, brittle - but are giving way to your team's enthusiasm, experience, and attitude. You will always have the knowledge that you have helped continue the legacy and it will never go away. 842 now resides in the FIRST Hall Of Fame.
Congratulations to all of you.
It was fun watching you sway to the music and smile - big, big smiles.
Jane