Just so everyone is realistic about this, it is important to understand that a White House visit for the Chairman's Award or Championship team is a pretty rare and unusual event. Contrary to one of above posts, a Presidential visit has actually only happened twice in the history of FIRST - once during the Bush - I administration, and once (last year) during the Bush - II administration.
The Chairman's Award teams have been honored post-Championship in several different ways over the years. Some CA teams have been invited to a special reception at Dean's home, held in their honor. Some have had the opportunity to work with
Paul Lazarus to create a short film documenting their team experience. Some have had special banquets arranged by FIRST in their home towns. All of them are entered into the FIRST Hall Of Fame, and receive perpetual invitations to the FIRST Championship.
If a team is also able to visit the White House and represent the entire community of FIRST teams, then that is great. But if they don't, it should not in any way decrease the legitimate pride and enjoyment these teams should take in their accomplishment. A White House visit is some wonderful "icing on the cake" - but it isn't the cake.
-dave
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