Congrats to Don Rotolo!

[rotolomi]

Thank you to everyone offering congratulations! He was very pleasantly surprised when he found out this thread existed, and this award means so much to him. My dad is the smartest man I know, and I couldn't have been more excited and proud to hear his name announced

[DonRotolo]

Thanks to everyone, I'm humbled by all the attention.

Sometimes you don't see your own impact, someone has to point it out to you. I just do it because that's the fun. I guess the kids see it differently. Interacting with high-schoolers keeps me thinking young, and listening to awesome music.

I am truly elated, but there is a darker side: As cool as this award is, nobody outside FIRST really gets it. Work was like "gee, that's nice. Congratulations", kind of a letdown. Same with extended family. Ah well, I have a third family right here...

Don

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

As cool as this award is, nobody outside FIRST really gets it. Work was like "gee, that's nice. Congratulations", kind of a letdown. Same with extended family. Ah well, I have a third family right here...

Don

Hey Don, if the award doesn't impress the non-FIRST friends and family, just tell them you have your own "inter-web thread" - tell them you are like a Chuck Norris on the internet !!

Congrats

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

I am truly elated, but there is a darker side: As cool as this award is, nobody outside FIRST really gets it. Work was like "gee, that's nice. Congratulations", kind of a letdown. Same with extended family. Ah well, I have a third family right here...

I think Taylor Mali translates quite well here. (Minor Language)

On a less serious note I can understand their confusion, the award is a mobius ball bearing after all... hard to think of something less useful!

[Sciwizrd]

Don, I'm thrilled for you! Congratulations. From the wonderful conversation you and I had that very afternoon, as well as my discussion later that evening with Michael, I can so see how you deserve this. Thanks for all you do.

Wish you continued fun and success.

Best,
Robin

[rsisk]

Don Rotolo = a whole lot of awesome

Congratulations!

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

As cool as this award is, nobody outside FIRST really gets it. Work was like "gee, that's nice. Congratulations", kind of a letdown. Same with extended family. Ah well, I have a third family right here...
Don

^ Looks like we still have some work to get done. Inspiration: A+, Recognition: Needs Improvement, Science and Technology: GO!

[Skinkworks]

Don, you are completely amazing. Our robot would not be where it is without your hours of helping us get our pneumatics working (Your pneumatics guy is awesome too).

I hope your infectious, unending optimism spreads to every person involved in FIRST.