[DonRotolo]

Whew. Finally recovered enough to type.

To start, congratulations to 1771, 2415 and 21 for their win. They beat us handily right off the bat and went all the way. It wasn't luck!

Then congratulations to 2815 for RAS - These guys (and their robot) looked like experienced veterans out there...and since we all know it's not about the robot, they do good things in the community as well. This award is a reflection of their mentors*, parents and other supporters.

I did not get time to visit with 281, and now I see I really should have (and still need to), since EIS is an award we covet. Congratulations.

To team 1730, Team Driven, our neighbors in the pits, the J&J GP award does not even come close to showing the FIRST community just how awesome you guys are. For Chairman's, you guys are on the right track and I'm personally disappointed that you didn't win it. Of course, I thank you profusely for your kind and gracious help in the pits, from the bandsaw to the printer/scanner/copier and everything else. Now you need to get Clara on Chief Delphi! (Also glad you got home safely).

One Six One Eight, you guys deserve an award for perseverance. Whatever the competition threw in your way, you overcame it. Thanks for being such gracious neighbors in the pits.

1319, you guys are cool.

As I wrote when I started this thread, Palmetto has such nice folks there. There are so many people to thank, and I just can't remember them all. The scouting lady from 425, Barry from 1102, the kids at the hotel (including the fork bender and the kid working on decryption code in the pool area), the UL guys, the Pit announcer (whose name I forget)... everyone else, too: Thanks!

Until next time...

Don


*Except maybe one with killer sideburns...;-)(JK)