UFH: Andrew Grady

[CD47-Bot]

Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Andrew Grady.



Name: Andrew Grady
Date Honored: 01-31-2004
Years involved w/FIRST: 10
FIRST Team(s): Nypro Inc. &, Clinton High School (0126)
Role: Mentor / Strategy Specialist
Quote: "You might faint from the fight, but you're gonna find it, for every challenge could have paradise behind it." - Blues Traveler
Bio: Andrew Grady has a long history of dedication to the FIRST program. In a long ten years, Andy has served as both a student and mentor to different teams. Andy is currently featured on the forums for his '3 Questions' feature, and is involved with team #126. He also works as an engineering technician.

Andy shares one of his recollections: "My favorite FIRST memory was in 1999. It was my first year with team 42, and my first year as a mentor. We had worked extremely hard on building a robot that works and really bonded well as a team. At the national competition we managed to pull together some very tough victories against some good teams and we found ourselves at the number one spot at lunchtime on friday afternoon. Team 42 had never done so well, the looks on the kids faces were something I will never forget." Andy also has a great outlook on FIRST's impact. "At that moment, I realized what FIRST was all about, the coming together of people of all ages, bonding, and going through the hardships and highlights that life can give, as one whole unit for a better cause."

Andy also gave us some advice: "FIRST is a wonderful experience if you choose to make it that way. Always keep pushing no matter how bleak things may get at times. In the end it doesn't matter if you have won or lost, just as long as everyone involved managed to squeeze some sort of purposeful meaning out of the time spent." He also gives some specific words to the students: "...always remember that though FIRST is a great tool for learning, never let it control your life. If you aren't careful, it could end up delaying your true destination in life."

Congratulations to Andrew Grady, and thank you for your contributions for the FIRST program.

Nominated By: confidential

[Amanda Morrison]

Congratulations to Andrew Grady for being honored as our eleventh Unsung FIRST Hero.

[Aaron Lussier]

I have attended FIRST competitions for the past three years on the east coast and more recently the midwest, and I would have to say that Andy along with being a great person to talk to, ranks as one of my top 3 FIRST announcers. For those of you who have never heard Andy announce a match before, find a video or an audio file, He brings so much in to it when he calls a match.

Great Job Andy, You definetly deserve this.

-Aaron

[David Kelso]

Andy, may I be one of the first to congratulate you on this award. You were also one of the first friends of Team 131 in the Alliance Era (when FIRST really found itself). After helping so many teams in the New England area and doing so much at the mini competitions, you rightfully deserve this honor. The Voice of Grady had really helped those River Rage Competitions. Since our days at Rumble at the Rock in 1999 when those floppies and the 'old control systems with R-nets" ended our chance at being Champs that weekend, I have been able to openly ask for advice and your perspective on many FIRST issues. Keep up the great work and remember to follow your own advice about FIRST.

[JohnBoucher]

Way to go Andy. Congrats on your ten years of Firsting.

[ColleenShaver]

Congratulations Andy!!

You were always the best driver challenger in high school. You have also done a great job supporting our outreach efforts at WPI by MC'ing Robonautica (even when we call at the last minute).

My FIRST experience wouldn't be the same if you we're a part of it. Great job!

[Jessica Boucher]

Thanks for putting up with me every day You deserve this!

[Brandon Martus]

Congratulations, Andy. FIRST and these forums would not be the same without you. Thanks.

[jprkr2004]

Originally Posted by CD47-Bot

Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Andrew Grady.

Andrew Grady LOVES Hanson(The Former Music Group), this conclusion was decided during a team meeting held after lunch.

[TiA126]

Originally Posted by jprkr2004

Andrew Grady LOVES Hanson(The Former Music Group), this conclusion was decided during a team meeting held after lunch.

ahahahah mmmbop andy mmmbop.....

IM ANDY AND I LIKE HANSON!!!

weeeee dont worrie anday im joking i love yah!! hehe

[Kate Leach]

Andy, much congrats to you. You're one of the first people I think of whenever FIRST is mentioned. Maybe we can even get you to MC at BattleCry one of these days. You definitely deserve this award & I'm wicked proud of you!! I'll be at the BAE regional in ManchVegas, so maybe we can find some time to catch up there.

(Anti-)Kate

[Kirsten]

I've been away from the boards for a while but had to come back to give Andy a shout-out... my FIRST memories would not be the same without him! He's truly got the FIRST spirit, and he has been an amazing friend to me over the past few years... Thanks Skratch!!!

Kirst

[Karthik]

There are few people on this forum whose posts can always be counted on to be poignant and insightful, Andy has always been one of them. Thank you for taking things to the next level.

[Mike M.]

hey congats Andy i couldn't imagine what our team would be like with out you

btw i had nothing to do with Parker's Hanson comment

[Eric O]

Congrats Andy!

Although I have only spoken with you a few brief times, I have heard many more good things about you from other New England FIRSTers. Your have led the way for many people who are now going from being inspired in High School, to participating in College and then post college. Your participation and dedication to FIRST teams and events has inspired many people. Congratulations, you deserve this award.

Eric