[Kims Robot]

This is an interesting topic and many good points have been brought up.

I'm definitely in the boat that every single part of the team needs to be there for all of it to function. On 1511 I think they try really hard to make sure every group knows its needed and appreciated, so its hard to guage the level. From your sponsors to your mentors, your parents to your teachers, your drive train team to your chairmans team, your shop cleaners to your janitors... everyone helps make it happen.

I think the real question is who have you thanked/appreciated? and who do we forget to thank? I'll give a few of the good examples from my experience (of those often left out), and note that there are many that we leave out every day... its up to all of us to make everyone feel like a part of the team/family.
1511 for the first 3 years did recognition for the Janitorial staff... they were constantly opening doors for us, helping us get places through the building, cleaning up for us, and just overall made our lives easier even when we would forget to reserve a room or needed more space. They would often stay late with us even when they were only scheduled to stay until 11pm. We got them cake and little gifts (pocket knives).
1511 does a mentor recognition luncheon at Harris every year. This is mainly for the Harris mentors (Harris gives certificates and often small monetary awards), but all mentors are invited to come have a great lunch and our students run through the chairmans presentation. Harris thanks all the volunteers for their time.
1511 does a sponsor picnic to thank all of our sponsors for donating and give them a time to meet the whole team and get to see the robot close up.

As a team leader for 229 & 1511 I often got a lot of thanks from parents, and while much of it was more deserved by all of the mentors that helped make the team, it was great to hear, and some of it helped me know that I had an impact. On 229 I had a parent thank me "because their student had never been so interested in anything before". On 1511 I have had a number of parents thank me for helping their students grow into leaders. I have had students thank me when they graduated for believing in them. Some days the team leader is the hardest position in the world... other days make it all worth it. Often the leaders are seen as deserving of appreciation, and while they are, make sure you remember the other parts of the team that made it all possible...

So make sure all parts of your team, and every individual feels appreciated. Whether its a sponsor or a janitor, your button makers or your CAD designers, a drive team member or a parent... make sure they know that they are important... but it matters most that appreciation is genuine and personal.