WFA: Philadelphia

[Carlo]

"Action Joe" Perrotto, a mentor and leader of team 365 the Miracle Workerz was honored this past Friday with the Philadelphia Regional's Woody Flowers Award. We would like to thank him for his efforts in making the Miracle Workerz who we are today and helping the team devolop for the future. For those of you who don't know him, Joe is the kind of guy who is always there to guide you when you're lost. From his strict rules on safety, to his knowledge in engineering, Joe is a great role model for all FIRST mentors. As the team finishes its fifth year, we are seeing great changes. Now a non-stock, non-profit corporation, Joe continues to be an integral part of the team. We appreciate the time he spends teaching us, and the values which he instills within us. MOE would never be the same without you.

So on behalf of Team 365 and myself, Thanks Action Joe...keep inspiring the kids.

[Steve W]

I met Joe for the first time in Philadelphia and in that short time I can see why he won this award. Congrats Joe and keep up the good work.

[oneyd]

One of Action Joe's habits is to claim that he's going to retire from the team year after year, yet every year he returns. We are all glad that he does return, because the team just wouldn't be the same without him. Congratulations Joe on your nomination and remember, if all else fails, you can distract the judges with your headshine.

[Kyle]

I also wanted to personally thank Joe for all of the help and inspiration he has given me since I started on MOE last year, he has not only shown me how to work on a robot he has shown me how to work on a team. Thank you Joe for being a great mentor on and off the team.

[surgeboy101]

I would like to offer my congratulations and thanks to Joe, also. He has definitely shown his outstanding leadership and mentorship to the members of the team and to receive this award is a great honor and thanks from the members of the FIRST community.

Thanks, Joe for all your efforts and support. You are definitely making a difference in the lives of many students in a positive way. Keep up the good work.

- Tim

[MOEmaniac]

Even though this is only my first year on the team, Joe has taught me a life times worth of knowledge. He has imbedded in my mind every safty rule there is when working around machinery and power tools. He makes sure that everyone on the MOE team is completely safe when doing work and he makes sure that the work we do isn't just a sloppy job but it is grade A work. Without him my experience with MOE wouldn't be the same. Thank you so much Joe for every thing that u have taught me over these past couple of months.

[Joe3]

Over my three years as a Miracle Worker, I have come to know Joe Perrotto as both a mentor, and a friend. From my first year on the team, when I came in knowing very little about robots, tools, or anything mechanical, to the over this summer, to this build season, when I designed the "Kilts", Joe has been there helping me out. In my opinion, FIRST is not only about the inspiration of students to pursue a career in engineering, it's about educating them to make sure that a career in engineering is really something that they want to do. Joe has certainly inspired me to become a Mechanical Engineer, but has also taught me enough so that I am sure that I know what it's all really about.

Joe has always listened when I've had an idea, and never discouraged me, even when I realize that what I just said makes no sense. He's willing to admit he's wrong when he realizes it, or move on to a better concept, when it's proven. That trait alone sets him apart from many people, in my opinion, who will never admit that they are wrong, or give up on their idea. He also has a great sense of humor, and his sarcasm is only rivaled by Carlo’s and mine. These traits make Joe easy to talk or pitch ideas to, without fear of being made feel "dumb".

There have been many times that I've been early to meetings, and stopped by Joe's office at work. Joe has never been disgruntled about being disturbed from his work, and is always willing to explain what he's working on, or what any one of the patents up on his wall is for. Actually, often enough, when I stumble by, he's already working on something for MOE. This brings upon the question "Does Joe actually do any real work from January through April?" The answer is "Most likely not".

Thank you Joe for my three years on this team. It's been a great experience for me, and I truly appreciate it.

[melissa]

I've been on the team for two years now, and even though I haven't directly worked with Joe on a sub-team, he's still inspired me to keep on going with engineering and robotics. He's ALWAYS conscious of safety, but that's a good thing. Not only is Joe a mentor, but also he has that spirit to cheer you up or help you when you look like you (and sometimes don't) know what you are doing. I remember when he told me to make the chain for the wheels and I gave him a blank stare because I had no clue how to work with chain. He showed me every step and helped me along the way, making jokes so not to make me feel dumb that I didn't know...anything really haha. Always up for that joke or sarcastic comment, and sometimes ready with a comeback, knowing it’s all in good fun. He makes robotics interesting and the team defiantly wouldn't be the same without him. I think he deserved this award and I want to congratulate him.

I don't know if you have realized how many lives you have touched, Joe, but one of them has been mine. Keep on inspiring with that unique personality of yours, and congratulations once again. * * *** **** GO JOE!

[OneAngryDaisy]

Even though I am not a member of 365, and I have never personally had the honor of meeting Mr. Perotto, I seill can see the impact he has made on Moe and the FIRST community. Everywhere I go, from the Duel on teh Delaware to the Philadelphia Regional, I see him right in the middle of his pits or stands- it is pretty obvious that this guy is quite an extraordinary mentor. Congrats to Action Joe and 365- you guys are lucky to have 'big fishs' like Perotto and Larock, those two are a main reason I will think of Moe every time I see neon green... although do I really want that to happen...?

[Coco the Monkey]

Whether you've just joined the team, or are a seasoned veteran, you'll always learn something from Joe Perotto. My first year on the team I didnt have the pleasure (some might concider misfortune ) of working on the sub-team he was in charge of. I tried making a shift to a more mechanical role my second year and thats when I got to know him better. I remember the first time he gave me something to do he said "Fix this." and stood there. When he saw I had absolutely no idea how to do what he asked me, he said "Thats why you're here. To learn." and then showed me how to do what he wanted.

Ever since then, if I've needed help making a part, or didnt know how to do something I knew that I could go ask Perotto and he'd explain how to do it, watch me start it, make a funny comment, then go off to help someone else. Not only is he a great mentor, he knows how to lighten the mood so you dont feel as inept when he shows you things. He can bring out the best in anyone, even if you have no mechanical skills what so ever. There arent alot of people out there that are like that.

Joe is one of the people I look up to with admiration and have a great respect for. I always look forward to working with him on the team, and I'll miss him when I go off to college next year. He is a fountain of knowledge, a great mentor, and a friend. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give him a 365.

We love you Joe!