[Karthik]

The 2009 Finger Lakes Regional was definitely a great time. Special thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to put this event together and keep it running smoothly. I met a lot of new people who each impressed me with their dedication to FIRST. They've definitely got something good going on in Rochester. Working with JonDarr was an absolute blast. He's definitely one of the best announcers in FIRST, and I'd love to hear him announcing a division in Atlanta.

I said it a few times during the event, but 340 deserves a lot of recognition for everything they've done in the Rochester community. After talking with their team, and hearing about their efforts I think they're on the short list of contenders for a Championship Chairman's Award. To me it's not a matter of if, rather a matter of when.

There were lots of amazing teams on the field, but none impressed me more than 1507 and 188. 1507 played well and more importantly played smart all weekend long. They'll be a force in Atlanta. As for 188, they're one of the top 3 robots that I've seen all season long. A ridiculously fast turreted shooter, which rarely missed. Shooters like 1114 and 217 had a lot of problems with accuracy in Week 1, but 188's drive team were stone cold marksmen, rarely missing shots despite not using active camera tracking. They'll be one of the favorites come mid-April in the Georgia Dome. Congratulations to all the amazing students and mentors who put that robot together.

A special congratulations to Team 1547 on a well deserved Engineering Inspiration Award. They were gracious enough to take me in as a guest this weekend, and remind me what FIRST is all about. It was a pleasure and honor to travel with the team. They're a team who really does "get it".