Congrats to Don Rotolo!

[GaryVoshol]

I'll add my congratulations. Great job.

[mhayon]

I have to echo the congratulations. I was going to start a post on this topic, but the fact that one already exists speaks volumes for Don's impact on the FIRST community.

I first met Don in 2005 (well, he was my neighbor first, but first time with respect to FIRST). Someone approached me and told me that this Don's company was interested in working with a high school to join this thing called FIRST. One night that week, I went to Don's company, where I sat in a room of the company's employees. Two volunteers from the state introduced FIRST and the benefits on the community. (Don was in that room, of course).

Fast forward to build season. Probably a dozen employees showed up to our first meeting. The number got whittled down every week. By the end of that week, the number of mentors from that company was down to one-- Don.

The next year, Don's company ended its partnership with the team. These things happen. But remarkably, Don kept mentoring the team, spending hundreds and thousands of hours mentoring a team that his company wasn't involved in, that he didn't have a child on. Rather, just because he enjoyed it.

And even more remarkably, Don returned to work with the team every single year after that. Yes, all 8 years the team has been in existence. And he has never waivered in his contributions to the team. We could probably count on one hand how many days of the build season and/or competitions Don has not been to in those 8 years.

To date, there has not been a 1676 without Don. For everything 1676 is known for, Don has been a major part.

Everyone that is currently working with the team or has ever been with the team, or just are related to the team, are exceedingly proud of Don.

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants" - Isaac Newton, 1676

[MadeAtMidnight]

I'll add my congratulations too!!!

[BigJ]

Congratulations!

All of (1676 - 1) is very happy for you!

[techhelpbb]

Don and I have crossed paths a few times and I think he absolutely deserves recognition for his contributions to this community. He's a great guy and I wish him congratulations on his achievement and as always the best of luck to him and 1676 in all their ventures.

Congratulations Don! You deserved it!

[Tetraman]

YAY! Such an honor for such a deserving person. Congrats.

[Cynette]

Congratulations, Don! That is truly awesome!

[nuggetsyl]

Don was the perfect person to win this award. See you at champs.

[Team 2016]

Congrats to Don from Team 2016!! You definitely deserve this. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your team.
See you in St. Louis!!

[Phalanx]

After 8 years of sharing an outstanding FIRST working relationship with him, I can't begin to say enough about how awesome and truly deserving Don is.

Congratulations Again, Don. You are indeed a Woodie Flowers Award winner in every aspect.

[Dancin103]

Well deserved Don, so happy for you!!!

[Barry Bonzack]

Huge Congrats, Don! This honor is well deserved.

[IKE]

Congratulations!

[Katie_UPS]

Originally Posted by George A.

Congrats Don!

Am I the only one who is amazed he hasn't already won it.?!?!

I actually thought he already did, and this thread was for some award outside of FIRST.

Congrats Don! So happy to see you getting recognition for all your hard work!