UFH: Jason Morrella

[Jason Morrella]

To the UFH crew - thank you very much for the honor - I am touched and very much appreciate the gesture.

I commend you for having the idea, putting it into action, and making it happen. When I first saw your concept, I was so glad to see John get recognized for all that he has done and continues to do. Then I started thinking of all the other amazing people in FIRST who do so many wonderful things which many people never hear about, and the list of people I would nominate is both long and impressive - so I was a little humbled at being nominated and even held in the same consideration of all the people who are UFH's around the country (and the world - I don't want the Canadians to think I'm not aware of all their great accomplishments )

To those of you who replied, thank you very much for your kind words. I truly appreciate them and they mean a lot to me. In particular:

Amanda & Amanda - thank you. You are each UFH's. I was wondering where you got the picture, at first I figured maybe it was EJ, then Ken L (another UFH) came forward as the culprit...so I'll deal with that another time.

Kevin - the best post of all. I look forward to my box of KK - thank you VERY much.

Bill Gold - thanks for spelling my name right. And thanks for all you have done for Lincoln and the WRRF teams in the Bay Area - any definition of a UFH certainly describes you.

Andy Baker - really can't say anything about Andy that hasn't been said. A role model for so many in first - and someone any of us are certainly lucky to be able to call a friend. By the way Andy, you were a "little" bit off with the

I feel especially good that he associates with conservative, country folk like me.

it's "sympathizes with and prays for", not "associates with".

John V - Another example of how being involved with FIRST allows us to meet and get to know exemplary people we would otherwise never meet. Was so impressed by John the first time I met him, and everything since then has only shown how good my first impression was. Congrats John, you're a true UFH.

Wake Zero & Stud man - thanks. Wake - I've always admired from the sidelines your effort and your teams (64 & 1011), keep up the great work...you should be very proud.

Kristina - thank you very much. Was my privilege and honor to help your team - no worries on the phone call either, was happy to help....but that doesn't mean Sunday morning calls should become a habit I hope you have a great experience at UCLA and choose to stay involved in FIRST for many years to come. You are a great role model/spokesperson to help get more young women involved in FIRST.

Dirty Harry - Meeting students like you is one of the great perks in FIRST. You were in a stressful situation and once you had a chance to step back and reflect, you handled it very well. I was very impressed by you and your team. And yes, you did throw me for a loop....I could tell you played sports, and had a few great (I thought) analogies for football, basketball, or baseball all ready....then you throw FENCING at me!?! Not fair - stole my thunder, but I improvised best I could. Anyway, look forward to seeing you and the team in 2004.

Dave Lavery - another example of how being involved with FIRST allows people to meet truly phenomenal people. Knowing people like Dave & Woody, with such credentials (not to mention being the "Director of the Solar System") is intimidating at first. Then of course you realize that the Director of the Solar System would rather own a Krispy Kreme franchise, so you feel better knowing he's just a normal guy like the rest of us.
The feeling of respect, trust, and friendship could not be more mutual. When I've had any doubts or valleys in the Roller Coaster of FIRST, you and Tony N have always reminded me of all the reasons the success of FIRST is so important.
And thanks for the kind words about 254 (and as you know - no one is more responsible for the great success and impact 254 has made on so many students than Steve Kyramarios). The students and mentors on 254 are the people who inspired and motivated me to help FIRST become accessible to as many students in as many schools as possible...someday every school.
Last - if there IS an honor which can in any way absolve me of receiving abuse, PLEASE let me know what it is.....it shall become my quest for the holy grail.

It's been a busy summer and awhile since I posted, so I'm sorry about the length...I just wanted to make sure I thanked everyone. So thanks! I look forward to seeing you all (sorry Andy - y'all) in the upcoming season, and hope everyone has a great rest of the summer.

JM