UFH: Jason Morrella

[Ken Leung]

Originally posted by Jason Morrella
I was wondering where you got the picture, at first I figured maybe it was EJ, then Ken L came forward as the culprit...so I'll deal with that another time.

I got two reactions to that comment. Take your pick:

1. Uh oh NOW I am REALLY afraid... ::shrink to 1" tall and run away screaming::

or

2. Uh oh NOW I am REALLY afraid... ::start scheming for the next place to get Jason with a evil smile on face::


Seriously though, Jason, I cannot think of ANYONE ELSE who is more deserving to be an UFH than you. In all the years I've been around FIRST, ever since the first time I've heard about this "Jason Morrella?" helping us by staying at Moffett Field's 2000 practice field and let us practice the GRT robot there, I've looked up to you as one of the symbols out here in the West Coast that represent the true dedication to education and students.

As people mentioned, your work on the Cheesy Poofs and west coast regionals have impacted so many kids, and you've selflessly dedicated your time and energy. But to me, you are so much more.

Ever since the first time I heard you and Ken Krieger talk about FIRST at Manchester's holiday inn hotel the night before 01' kickoff, my eyes were opened to the brand new world of FIRST. After that, you've always been around whenever I had big urge to do big things in FIRST over here, whether it be volunteering at regional and kickoff, or WRRF stuff.

I don't want to go into too many details, but here are some snap shots of moments I remembered from the past:

I remember at 01' kickoff when the coaches went to a restaurant near holiday inn for some food, you introduced me to Andy Baker and other coaches as "here is the kid that post on Chief Delphi".

I remember jumping around wanting to go down to LA for Chatsworth's summer classic, and you offered to let me ride with the Poof's. On the way you asked me, "so why do you want to go so badly?"

I remember toward the end of 02' we worked together on Cal Games, and at the end of that event you said to the crowd "If Ken Krieger is the volunteer of the year, then Ken Leung is the volunteer of the year in training".

I remember after 03' Silicon Valley Regional you said "hey you made me lost a bet. I bet you would've cried."

You know, little things like that I will always remember about FIRST.

So, congratulation on being the second honoree of UFH, right under JVN, who is my FIRST hero . But if John is my hero, you are the Jedi master I study under. ::bow down to the master::

I hope we can do more work together on future FIRST events :-). See ya around!