Now, I'm a fairly involved person on my team. I've spent up to 35 hours at my school in one sitting this past build season, working with my teammates non-stop. I also wrote our Woodie Flowers submissions this year, both the local regional level and the national refresher. You might say I'm fairly checked in. I frequent CD, possibly a few times a day on average.
I had no idea what they were talking about when they mentioned the "Dean's Finalist Award" in San Diego. Literally, I looked around confused because I had not an inkling that this award existed.
Now, I'm sure that there was more notification that I was unaware of...but it just seems to have been somewhat mis-handled.
The worst part? I missed an opportunity. This is my senior year, and I would have loved to nominate one of my fellow seniors for the award. It's saddening that those students around me, who inspire me just as much as our mentors and teachers, have also missed out on the opportunity to be recognized for their overwhelming dedication and intelligence. Oh well, I suppose just telling them in person will have to do for now
The award is obviously well-meaning, and frankly a very necessary one. It has just tripped slightly in it's first year.