[nlknauss]

Dave Beck certainly touched my life and was certainly one of a few influences who made me want to be a Technology Education Teacher. I've had the pleasure of having a few conversations with him over years as a student and a mentor and can always remember walking away feeling grateful for the time spent. Dave always greeted me with a "hello" or a wave at every glance and was always willing to answer any question I had. Much of how my rookie team is assembled this year is a result of those conversations and influences he had.

Tonight, I actually had a parents' meeting for my team's trip down to Atlanta next week. One of the team's new advisors began to talk about the qualities of the FIRST program in the values it brings to us as individuals. When he was done, I couldn't help but mention Dave as an example of those qualities and that I wished my students were able to meet him (not in fewer words).

Dave Beck is the standard for us to model as mentors, leaders, and gracious professionals to our students well into the future.

This is certainly way to soon. Condolences go out to the Becks, Team 103, and Palisades HS for their loss personally and from Team 2729.

Sincerely,
Nate