[David Brinza]

If the culture change that FIRST is trying to achieve comes about, in 50 years maybe we'll have that world that Dean talked about: energy is free and green, there are no incurable diseases, and life is good. If we celebrate the things that sustain this culture, FIRST will have accomplished it's mission.

I don't see a problem with FIRST being in every high school with district, state and national competitions to decide who's best. Competition can stimulate creativity, resourcefulness, drive, passion, commitment - all good things. Just as long as the spirit of the competition doesn't become "win at all cost". The future leaders of FIRST will need to insure that teams remain true to the principals of Gracious Professionalism.

FIRST as a competition could get out of hand if sponsors levied onto their teams expectations of winning, if mass media dollars became the incentive for teams to compete, and if success were measured only by points in a game. Will former FIRST students that become mentors allow the program to take this path? (These are the future FIRST leaders who will step up when the founders are no longer involved). I just don't think so.

If a "win-win" attitude prevails over "just win", FIRST growing to be an alternative to football, basketball, etc. in all of our schools is a very good thing.