Operation Inspiration 2006: Who wants to read all the WFA entries?

[Rich Kressly]

Let's get an early start on this in 2006! In 2004, we had almost all of the winning entries. In 2005, we didn't do as well. Let's get these incredible mentor stories posted throughout the season this year instead of waiting until the end. So, congrats to the 2006 week one WFFA Winners: Wayne Cokeley, Andy Grady, Toss Cline, and Williane Tenca. Let's see if we can get these four posted before week two begins ... GO!

[galewind]

This is Team 1089's submission for Wayne Cokeley at NJ:

The Woodie Flowers Award recognizes individuals who have mastered the art of communication in the fields of engineering and design. There are very few people who exemplify all the qualities necessary to succeed at this ambitious goal. Wayne Cokeley, coach to Team 25 and mentor to a myriad of other teams, including our own, manages to embody each trait with remarkable ease. His intense enthusiasm pervades the FIRST community, influencing a multitude of students to become active in pursuing Engineering.

Mr. Cokeley was one of the key factors in launching many teams, including our very own team 1089 in our rookie year, 2003. He capitalized on the opportunity to allow more students to participate in FIRST when he saw that there was ample interest in our school to begin a team. During our first year, he helped Team Mercury immensely by bringing volunteers from his own team to teach and assist us, as well as helping out himself. Cokeley offered his knowledge to the inexperienced students by lecturing on things such as the EDUbot kit and using it to explain concepts including lever arms, center of gravity, and mounting sprockets to wheels. Furthermore, he demonstrated how to properly use tools and even explained how FIRST works in general, particularly the concept of gracious professionalism. He also offered helpful suggestions for building a robot with difficult limitations on time, resources, budget, and design. In addition, Cokeley was essential in attaining our sponsorship from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. In the words of our advisor, Chris Gregory, “If every team had a Wayne Cokeley to help get them started, they’d be able to fully comprehend what FIRST can offer their students and communities”.

Wayne Cokeley has offered our team an immeasurable amount of assistance throughout the years. The most important asset that outweighs all else that he has given us is his encouragement. He has always contended that students should do more work than mentors, and unceasingly promotes student creativity and design. With his supportive speeches and even joyful tears upon seeing the growth of our team, the students have gained confidence and motivation to learn even more and work even harder. This attitude has been infused into the FIRST community through Mr. Cokeley’s avid participation in programs such as the Chief Delphi forums, the RINOS (Rookies In Need of Support) program, which he supervises, and the scrimmages and off-season event Brunswick Eruption hosted by Raider Robotix (25), just to name a few. Through these avenues as well as his own attempts to uphold an unofficial communication network within FIRST, Cokeley constantly offers his support and wise advice to anyone who might desire it.

The goal of FIRST is not for every team out there to have an unstoppable robot built to perfection; instead, the ideal is for every team’s students is to put their ideas and hearts into building both a machine and a cohesive team. In the words of Wayne Cokeley himself, “It doesn’t matter how many trophies you win or whether your machine is made of gold. It does matter that the kids develop a sense of belonging to a team they can be proud of and that they grow. Everybody has something they can contribute to a team and, if they show the initiative, they should be allowed to express it.” This is the standard that he abides by in leading his own team and assisting others. Mr. Cokeley’s leadership is inspirational to students throughout FIRST. It is best encompassed by what William Arthur Wood once said, “Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation.”

[Corey Balint]

Here is team 25's submission for Wayne Cokeley.

"Wayne Cokeley defines the words 'teacher' and 'mentor' in ways others can only hope to attain. His infectious enthusiasm and incredible dedication sets an example for all FIRST mentors to emulate."-Rich Kressly, FIRST Senior Mentor, Mentor of team 1712, and former Mentor of Team 103.

Throughout his decade in FIRST, Wayne has gone to great lengths to promote Team 25 and FIRST Robotics. In his time here, Wayne has gone on to create numerous programs and developed many new teams. Wayne is now the spearhead of RINOS (Rookies In Need of Support), which has created the Pre-Rookie movement and has started close to two-dozen teams. Three of these team's creations (all of whom were Rookie All-Star Winners at a Regional; 1403, 1048, and 1676), can all be attributed to Wayne, in some way. According to Paul Kloberg, NJ FIRST Senior Mentor, "Wayne continually creates a FIRST Friendly Environment wherever he goes. There is an entire army of FIRST Mentors all over the Mid-Atlantic area resulting from his inspiration. While we would never want to see it…if Woodie ever needed a long break, we have an answer for his replacement in the form of Wayne Cokeley."

Not only is Wayne responsible for the sterling history of Team 25, he is also recognized across the country as a great teacher and leader. On the popular Robotics forum, ChiefDelphi, Wayne was nominated for and received the Unsung FIRST Hero Award. In the nominator's words, Wayne is "…the spirit behind teams 25 and 1089. Well known on the forums, he is a charismatic leader and a helpful voice. He is very enthusiastic about the FIRST program, and describes his years of involvement as 'ten going on forever.'"

Wayne has continually gone above and beyond his mentoring duties. Even after being hospitalized for a stroke, Wayne fought his way out of the hospital and attended the NJ Regional in 2004 as a vital decision-maker. Wayne has always put forth to the best of his ability, including the need to develop student's abilities in all fields. He has pushed his students to learn aspects of marketing, business, engineering, technology, computer applications, and every other aspect of FIRST.

Throughout his ten years of service, Wayne has taught many members the how-to of various types of engineering. Bharat Nain, current Co-Captain and head programmer, brings up a great example. "My sophomore year, I had little experience in engineering. One of my first questions was quite simple. 'What is a potentiometer (Pot)?' His response, ‘Whatever you do on one Pot, the other Pot on the robot will make the same exact motion.’ Instead of giving me a complicated reply, he made it a simple process, easy for one to understand."

According to alumnus mentor and former Team Captain "Big Mike" Schroeder, "Wayne has the uncanny ability to find the talent in a student and show them his or her potential." Wayne has brought students from all levels of the high school into a cohesive, family-like unit. Through his many puns and euphemisms, or Cokeleyisms if you will, he has enlightened and quite possibly, tormented many students. His ability to stand by his words is mirrored by his humor. In 2000, he made a bet with the students that if they won National Championships, he would shave his hair off. Just a few days later, he honored his bet on Good Morning America.

David Beck, former WFFA and head mentor of Team 103, Cybersonics, expresses Wayne's dedication and devotion, "He eats and breathes FIRST and redefines 'Gracious Professionalism'. Besides, no one looks finer in a Hawaiian shirt."

[Rich Kressly]

(No you aren't seeing double, both of these teams nominated Wayne on their own) ... OK.....three more before Thursday. Keep it going...

[nehalita]

Hi, I'm from team 1345. Our mentor, Mr. James Payne, won the Florida Regional WFA. Thanks to Arefin Bari for being insistent on this submission, Amanda Morrison for helping me edit the content on the essay and for her positive feedback, Andy Baker and the past WFA recipients for posting in Andy Baker's thread to inspire me to finally sit down and write it, and the past WFA writers (i read a lot of your essays) to let me realize how important it is to recognize those who deserve it.

Coming from a team where any respect within the team is earned, we have always understood the clicheé actions speak louder than words. If anyone has earned our respect, Mr. James Payne, our teacher and mentor, has received it without hesitation from his teammates.

Mr. Payne, by title, teaches engineering at Stranahan High School. However, as one of his students says, “Class is just the pre-school, the real action happens after school.” And so, every day after school, Mr. Payne opens his classroom to a team ready to work on the Platinum Dragons Robotics Team; a team that has now become the very pride of our school. We come from a magnet school that has struggled to get academic recognition and foster a program that was conducive to learning. Finally, because of Mr. Payne’s hard work, the school has something to boast about.

The building blocks of this team’s foundation have been laid down by this hardworking teacher, and one of the most crucial elements he has stressed is dedication. Mr. Payne has put in more hours than any one else on the team has by being at the door of his classroom every day to invite us, see us off, and take anyone home that needs rides. Despite times of sickness and fever, he still manages to work right next to us.

Moreover, Mr. Payne has a unique way of inspiring us and pushing us to do the best. One of our team members once asked him, “Mr. Payne, have you ever said no to me?” and his response was, “No, I don’t think so…” Instead of turning us down, he offers us an alternative solution and lets us make the final decision. In this way, all team members get the option to present their idea and ultimately find themselves agreeing on an optimal solution and are happy with it. In fact, whenever there is a team discussion, you will usually find him sitting in the back of the classroom observing the ideas as they come.

Mr. Payne has even left us the option of what clothes to wear at regionals. We had the idea to wear bright orange jumpsuits to our regional and championship and he, as usual, said “sure, if you can make it happen!” In fact, Mr. Payne even wore a jumpsuit himself! This was topped off with painted face and head and mug shots of each team member – all in the name of a little fun!

More than fun, Mr. Payne also makes sure every student is included in the technical analysis during the building season. It is one thing to tell us what to do, but it is another to sit down and teach us what is happening through drawings and multiple explanations. It takes the patience of a superman… or just the patience of Mr. Payne.

One of the most significant things about our teacher is that he knows each and every student on a personal level. This means that if any of us need anything, we feel comfortable enough to approach Mr. Payne and know he will do whatever he can to provide what is best for us. This brings forth an extra dimension: our mentor is more than just a good teacher; he is a person that we trust and who understands us enough to help us pursue our endeavors, as well as be there for us when we need it. It is through this unrequited love that we come together as a family, and Mr. Payne has started it all by using his own life as an example.

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Congratulations to Steve Florence, the lead teacher on Team 461, who won the WF at Buckeye Regional this past weekend. Here is our submission:

On Team 461, the Inspiration in FIRST is embodied by Mr. Steve Florence. “Flo”, as he is affectionately called, is the glue that binds together this Chairman’s Award winning team. Through student enrichment, team management, and creating a fun, productive atmosphere, Mr. Florence is the driving force on our team, and without him, Team 461 would likely cease to exist.

Seven years ago, Flo and Purdue freshman Shannon Schnepp started Westside Boiler Invasion when they saw the dire need for rejuvenation of passion for science and technology in their community. He has since continued his mission by creating and mentoring four FLL teams, running a summer lego-league camp, and been a vital force in the birth of the Boilermaker Regional. Treating young teams like 1646, 1747, and 1555 as his own, he sends parts and personnel to their aid. Flo’s many roles include teaching students personally, organizing Purdue FIRST travel, and serving as Education Program Coordinator for the Boilermaker Regional.

On a personal level, Flo means infinitely more to high school students than what can be seen in his accomplishments on the robot. Despite other commitments, during build season he is a consistent driving force in the lab, and has since sacrificed his coaching of the wrestling team in order to devote more time to FIRST. Senior Navid Hojatti noted that Flo often stays late after everyone else leaves, returning to teach early in the morning. On the few occations that he cannot be at meetings, he checks in and has advisors walk students out to their cars late at night. Alex Turco, another senior, recalls that Flo helped him fix his car twice when it broke down.

Flo allows everyone who wishes to join the team, despite warnings against large team size from other mentors in the FIRST community. He places students who demonstrate leadership ability in situations where they can develop, while still including every team member in each project. Flo teaches Purdue advisors to become better leaders, handing over responsibility, allowing them to truly be mentors. Still, he is always dependable and remains the only mentor who has been able to stay with the team since its inception. Despite all he does for the team, Flo maintains the embodiment of humility, constantly stepping out of the spotlight to allow others credit for his accomplishments. Senior Andrea Pluckebaum, notes that, “Not only does Flo teach us, but he cares for us. When [Senior] Catherine Wallace was in the hospital, he didn’t just allow us, but strongly encouraged us, to go visit her—even though it was during the six weeks.” Senior Cliff Reeder, echoes this idea, “Flo is…awesome.” President of the Parent Booster Club, Elizabeth Akey says, “Flo’s driving motivation is to help the students find passion, whether it be in engineering or another area. With FIRST, he embodies the passion that he hopes to inspire in others.” Matt Adams, former 461 mentor and now engineer, considers Flo “an optimist, a big picture thinker, and a 'get up and do it' kind of guy. It's this sort of character that makes him a man I'm glad to call a personal role model in a world with so few true men.”

Team 461 functions as a healthy FIRST team because at its heart is Flo, beating relentlessly. Mr. Florence is a true leader and the foundation upon which Team 461 stands. This is why we, the students of Westside Boiler Invasion, propose Steve “Flo” Florence for the 2006 Woodie Flowers Award. In the lives of these students, Flo’s impact is like none other, and quite possibly never will be.

[Kyle Love]

Mark Koors Woodie Flowers essay.

Mark Koors has been a mechanical/electrical engineering mentor for the TechnoKats since 1998. He is not an average mentor; he amazes students by showing them outstanding techniques on using simple, but different techniques to complete tasks. Instead of just telling students to do something, he shows us how and lets us do it. For instance, Mark is one of the first mentors to teach our rookies how to tap holes. Mark may be eccentric sometimes, but to everyone who knows him, they would tell you he is someone who would drop everything to help anyone in need.

Mark’s FIRST experience does not end with just the physical robot. He helped design the innovative New Year’s Eve ball in 1998 for our towns “ball drop”. He designed a new ball, which contains over 31,000 LED’s two years ago, and used it as a training tool for our new students. The freshman and veteran students alike, learned new skills that would become very valuable for the build season; such as pop riveting, soldering, and basic metal fabrication along with wiring.


Mark has also helped the FIRST community by creating a business with fellow TechnoKat engineer Andy Baker. Their foremost goal is to help even the field of FIRST teams so those teams with scarce resources can still be competitive against the more fortunate teams. Over the build season, he never let his AndyMark© business get in the way of his help with the team.


Mark also helps people from outside of FIRST, and the United States. This past summer he went to Haiti and helped dig wells so the villagers would be able to drink clean water. Mark’s involvement with the Haitian aid trips has been kept relatively quiet from the team, but the students and mentors are very proud that he participates in them.

Mark helps run an off-season competition called IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational). He oversees the set up of the pit area and makes sure that teams have the power that they need to run their robots. Mark does this on a total voluntary basis. He has done this since the beginning of the competition in 2000.


The majority of FIRST teams also know that Mark is always willing to help. At regionals, it is not uncommon to see Mark in another teams pit helping them solve mechanical or electrical issues that could very well take the team out of a competition. He also volunteers at many regionals as an inspector and he also visits many teams at regionals and off-season competitions to make sure they are working the way that team wants.


Mark is also an easy guy to get along with outside of TechnoKats. Kyle Love, Junior and team lead said “Mark really has made an impact on my life; he has taught me that every problem has a solution, you just have to be creative and find that solution.” He is also an exceptionally fun loving guy away from the competition. He makes random jokes, and shows a side that most people never see.

Words can not entirely describe how Mark really is. He is very devoted to the team and the people on the team. He treats the students as if they were one of his own kids. He is always at the shop it seems, always dreaming up the new, mind blowing, thing that is almost guaranteed to ‘WOW’ anyone that sees it.


Mark does not just inspire TechnoKat students; he inspires people around him to challenge the impossible. He shows that there are no limits and to always Aim High!

[Lil' Lavery]

Here's Team 116's WFA mentor from the Peachtree Regional, Mike Wherley!

Mike Wherley is a beloved mentor to Team 116, and has been a massive asset to our continued success, innovation, and learning. He has an amazing ability to teach students engineering ideas. His skills at keeping us working until the very end are remarkable. Even while teaching, he always remembers to keep safety first priority. Mike deserves the Woodie Flowers Award because of his outstanding ability to teach, inspire and spread the enthusiasm, and energy of engineering and FIRST.
Mike helps the students understand difficult engineering concepts that many would not otherwise understand. “Mike asks simple questions to help us understand problems” (Andrew Schmitt, freshman). Through questions, many students analyze and then understand difficult concepts and design issues in their own ways, rather than just through memorizing information. Whenever possible, he will pair new students with veteran members in order to not only help the newer students understand the concepts, but also to help the veteran members expand their abilities through teaching others. “Mike always knows who to ask to help solve your problems.” (Robbie Smith, sophomore).
Mike possesses outstanding inspirational abilities, and is great at keeping students inspired and dedicated until the end. “Mike adds humor to serious information. It really helps keep stress down.” (Peter Schulke, Junior). Humor keeps people sane during the build season, and Mike really knows how to keep the pressure down. He never looses sight of the goal and is sure to keep the team working towards that goal. “Wherley was supportive of me even when I was in doubt of my capabilities” (David Theurer, Senior). Mike believes in the students until the end. He always makes sure to keep us smiling and thinking positively, while still keeping us aware of our deadlines.
“Wherley makes sure we are always staying safe and doesn’t allow any horseplay on his watch” (Richie Powers, Senior). Mike always makes sure that we have our shop glasses. He always checks to ensure that members are using the right tool for the right job; Mike also keeps his watchful eyes moving constantly to keep us from getting hurt. Never one to waste time, Mike makes sure no one else wastes it either. “Wherley is always looking out for our best interest, especially when concerning safety and tools” (Sean Lavery, Junior). Mike always wants to see the job done safely and effectively. He never lets us get away with doing something dangerous. He is so diligent that he has earned the nickname “Sheriff Wherley.”
Peter Schulke recalls that when he was first elected captain of FIRST Vex Team 18 (a sister organization of FRC 116), Wherley sat down and talked to him about being an effective leader. “Wherley and I talked for some time about my growing role on the team and being a leader. He gave me a bunch of great advice, which I value highly, and I will keep it in mind for a great time. He helped the challenges facing me seem much smaller, and I doubt that I would have been able to deal with them nearly as well as I did without him.”
Michael Wherley is one of the biggest reasons that Team 116 has continued to learn and enjoy the FIRST experience year-round. He inspires the students and keeps us working throughout the entire year. Wherley is always concerned with our safety, especially in the shop. Mike is an amazing Woodie Flowers Award candidate because of these qualities, which give him the outstanding inspirational ability, for which Team 116 appreciates and adores him.

[Richard Wallace]

<posting on behalf of 931 student Margi Doshi, who is not yet a CD member>
Here is a copy of the Woodie Flowers essay submission from Team 931-- (Frank Dressel)

“He organizes things, keeps us on track, and actually cares what happens to us. He is here for us all the way, through rain or shine,” Serafino Bland, team member.

Mr. Frank Dressel is the fuel that drives the engine of Team 931. As Head Coach, Mr. Dressel leads, inspires, and empowers us to do our best. He is an effective communicator; he listens and is very resourceful. Because of how he listens to us and his ability to solve problems, Mr. Dressel encourages each of us to maximize our potential.

As students, we often meet teachers who only want to talk; however, Mr. Dressel gives us the chance to speak first. He makes it so that we’re the ones who lead discussions. This year he split us into three groups – Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie. After Kick-off, each group developed a game strategy, designed a robot and began building prototypes. This got more students involved in the design process than ever before. Each group presented its plan and the entire team discussed its pros and cons. With this sort of openness to student ideas, Mr. Dressel creates an environment where every member can contribute.

Team member Samuel Harrington describes a personal experience with Mr. Dressel. “He taught me how to cut metal. I was really intimidated by the machinery and the noise, but then Mr. Dressel started to break down the procedure. The first time I began cutting I was really nervous and was going way too slow. He just smiled and encouraged me to go faster. That was the first time that I felt like I learned something useful, it was the first time that I felt like a teacher really cared about my learning."

Mr. Dressel is also incredibly resourceful. He isn’t afraid to make personal sacrifices and the answers he finds to our problems always move the team forward. When we earned the opportunity to attend Championship last year our budget was running low. With the registration deadline approaching and our sponsors lagging behind, Mr. Dressel charged $5,000 to his personal credit card. However, his investments extend beyond his willingness to open his wallet. For the second consecutive year, we hosted the St. Louis Regional Fall Training Camp, the brainchild of Mr. Dressel. Our camp helped bring teams together from across the region. Although we intended this camp to help struggling teams, our team benefited just as much from the exchange of ideas and the relationships that were formed.

The greatest asset that Mr. Dressel has is his ability to get students involved. This strength manifests in two ways - with students on our team and those of other teams. Because of the approachable way that he teaches, our team is able to express ideas, experiment, and learn. He encourages us to never give up and learn from our mistakes, even if it’s frustrating. This attitude ripples out to other teams. Mr. Dressel has helped to generate seventeen local teams that represent over twenty-four high schools. Additionally he has started three FVC Teams and supported numerous FLL Teams. His gift to enthuse and motivate is helping to change the way students see learning about science and technology.

One of our team members Kirsten Jones said it best, “He’s the man who brings us together. Start to finish Mr. Dressel exemplifies the work ethic, dedication, and spirit that makes Team 931 successful.” 2005 St. Louis Regional judges were in agreement. They named Mr. Dressel “Volunteer of the Year,” saying that “because of his leadership and mentoring Team 931 has become the master teacher for our regional teams.”

<originally posted in the St. Louis Regional thread along with other award presentation scripts.>

[Carol]

John Larock, Team 365, Pittsburgh Regional WFA winner

Team 365-MOE began with the vision of one man, John Larock. John is the driving force behind our team’s growth and success: 7 years and 15,000+ volunteer hours later, he has impacted over 140 students from 16+ schools in 4 states through MOE 365.

He’s a force multiplier: he brought together a parent support group, then the MOE executive team, and in 2004, helped establish FIRST State, Inc., a non-profit group to fundraise and lead the robotics initiatives in DE region. He helped establish 3 FRC and 3 VEX teams in our area. He established and organized the DE VEX tournament.

John is the connector (“the duct-tape that holds our team together.” - Will H.) He recruits mentors and students, forms alliances, e.g., Duel on the Delaware off-season event with Salem Community College and Team 316, fundraises and performs community outreach through public robotics demonstrations.

John is an educator: he developed a middle-school robotics course, co-wrote a chapter for an encyclopedia of science education to be published this year, and presented twice at the FIRST Robotics conference. In cooperation with Salem Community College, John created a robotics skills training program that earns the students up to 18 college credits. John coaches our ambassadors and spokespersons with confidence and presentation skills for FIRST events (Chairman’s Awards) and public presentations such as Rotary Club lunches and school demonstrations. John also coaches the team strategists and scouts, important roles on our team.

John is an innovator: he developed MOEmentum, a web-based newsletter to guide rookie teams through the build season. To recognize individuals who were gracious, spirited, and/or helpful, he challenged us to design and award personal recognition pins at regional events in 2005. This year FIRST is piloting them for all teams at the Pittsburgh competition.

John is a gracious professional: he teaches by example to be gracious—in winning and in losing, to work and play hard, think of others and believe in us. John assists other teams and regional events without hesitating. At the Capitol Clash last fall, he was recognized for his generous assistance. He teaches us to assist when we can at competitions and in mentoring FLL, VEX, and JFLL teams. (John coaches a JFLL team too!) One student wanted to read books at a local library. John encouraged him to think bigger and drew others into the project. Our team’s “Reading with Robots” program has reached hundreds of preschool and early elementary students. Team authored books were donated to schools and libraries. They were even used to teach the principles of simple machines to students in Zambia.

John is an effective communicator: A multi-school team from 4 states requires communication. John’s emails keep the MOE community connected. John’s leadership and organization keeps the team focused and on track. "Each day he asks student leaders to report on their sub-teams. Our contributions are important; we are not just students”. - Melissa F.

John cares about students: “If you’re presenting something John always tries to make sure you’re prepared. If you’re nervous he gives you a pep talk.” – Rachel S.

John arranged for a home-schooled student 2 hours from DE to join our team. A local newspaper reported about a girl interested in engineering. He contacted her mother, explained the program, and recruited her daughter for the 2006 team.

John excites us about engineering, science and technology: 95% of MOE students have attended college with 82% pursuing science and technical careers; and eight FIRST scholarships have been awarded.

“John sees beyond the robot; everyone else sees the mechanical but he envisions the bigger FIRST picture.” - Jessica S.

[Ricky Q.]

This is team #269's essay for WI WFA Winner Bob Blersch:

Some people contribute more, genuinely care, reach for higher goals, and motivate others to join them. Bob Blersch, lead teacher for the CooneyTech Robotics team, is that type of person. In 1998, when he learned of FIRST Robotics, Mr. Blersch immediately wanted to be involved in this program. He was the driving force for obtaining school support, recruiting other teachers and engineering mentors, finding funding for a team and he immediately made clear his most important goal: inspiring students. “Bob Blersch is FIRST Robotics at OHS,” says teacher Mark Jappinen. The first year the team dealt with a robot 70 pounds over weight, a five-gallon pail of tools and no cart to move the robot at competitions. This only encouraged him to work harder.

Mr. Blersch has tirelessly communicated the FIRST message in creative ways to anyone that will listen. In school he has used bulletin boards, display cases, team newsletters, the school newspaper, websites, student assemblies, parent teacher conferences and his classroom to communicate the FIRST message. With his guidance and encouragement, the team has helped start and mentor two new teams: Hartford (1091) and Watertown (1753). After trying unsuccessfully to get grade school teachers to start an FFL team he and students from our team started one, team 1855. He encouraged our team to join VEX so our under classmen could be introduced to the problem solving challenges of engineering.

Mr. Blersch ensures that FIRST is promoted in our community. He spreads the FIRST message by encouraging students to use websites, newspapers, parades and visits to schools and businesses. Over the years he has gone with students to numerous businesses and schools demonstrating robots and discussing the benefits of FIRST. He is as enthusiastic today as he was in 1998.

Bob Blersch promotes FIRST and engineering education by offering exceptional learning opportunities in our school. With great effort and time commitment from Mr. Blersch our school now offers the Project Lead The Way curriculum. These classes teach national standards in math, science and technology. This required additional education and training over his summer break. The new engineering and computer classes compliment FIRST Robotics greatly. He worked to get college credit for high school classes. He motivates students to raise their standards and work harder. Students taking Project Lead The Way classes are encouraged to join the CooneyTech FIRST Robotics Team.

Mr. Blersch inspires students during the build by personal example, with encouragement and refusing to lower his expectations. He expects students to run the team and organize the building season. Mentors guide but the students take charge. He understands that cooperation, generosity, patience, discipline, dedication, and honesty are as important as learning math, science and computer skills. He has fun slogans like “Safety FIRST, Stupid Hurts” to remind students to be careful. Mr. Blersch is proud that one of his students and FIRST members is now working for NASA; another is engineering for Porsche. His best moments are when former students visit, which happens often.

It is difficult to sacrifice family time year after year. Bob Blersch has chaperoned at every event, every year. He devotes endless hours to the CooneyTech Robotics Team. Luckily his family understands the difference he makes in students’ lives. Mr. Blersch has received no outside recognition for his efforts student and parent appreciation is enough for him. He measures success by his students’ achievements. For eight years our repeated success is a result of his steadfast contribution with genuine concern for students and their futures. Our team is very proud to nominate Bob Blersch, an exceptional educator, for the 2006 Woodie Flowers Award.