Why even bother submitting a Chairman's Award if we're not gonna win?

[Carolyn_Grace]

I want to briefly talk about a team who finally won the Chairman's Award, but would never post on Chief Delphi talking about it. I was hoping that someone else would share their story, but since no one else has yet, I will:

Their motto: "When you lose, say nothing. When you win, say even less."

Team 2337, the EngiNERDs, is a Michigan State Championship Chairman's Award winning team. To win the Chairman's Award in Michigan at a District event is a feat. To win at the MSC is outstanding.

Think of it this way: Every single team eligible for CA at MSC already won DCA, so you are competing against 11 other accomplished teams. Only three of those 11 amazing teams get the honor of moving up to the next level. This year, 2337 was *finally* one of those teams.

That emphasis on finally is my own. For the past three years, I've seen this team as a huge contender for the award, yet they kept getting bypassed by other awesome teams.

This year, the EngiNERDs took a different path for their presentation. I hope after Worlds they show a video of it, because it's edgy, risky and all sorts of wonderful.

Instead of emphasizing the #,###,### people they impacted, 2337 emphasized the inspiration and impact they've had. Because, how can inspiration and impact be measured by stating a number?

In their video, watch carefully, you'll notice one important fact: not ONE person in the video is a member of their team. They have people from other teams, at their school and in their community talking for them. It's creative, simple and very well-produced. Seeing videos like it makes me think how much of a shame it is that CA videos aren't judged.

If you're going to Worlds, and you have a spare moment, track down 2337 in the Galileo pits. Talk to some of their students (doing that always makes me smile) and chat with their mentors, especially Clint and Brandi. Ask them about their FIRST philosophy, and listen. What they have to say is usually worth listening to.