Judging of Woodie Flowers Award

[suneel112]

I am glad that they started Regional WFAs. Otherwise, with 929 teams (more as I write) there are TOO MANY DESERVING MENTORS. I like ALL mentors on my team, even if they are sometimes mean or concieted (most are NOT), because they give so much to the program. For the most part, winning mentors have a combination of an amiable personality, an encylcopedia of knowledge, and a great will to inspire kids in science and technology. I would personally like to congratulate the winner David Kelso (even though I didn't know him), as well as all the regional winners (no favorites, but Especially Mr. Noble. I know him a little bit, and I know the Huge contributions he made to 461, especially considering electronics). And in response to Joe Johnson, I would also like to win that award some day .

[Rich Kressly]

Originally Posted by D.J. Fluck

Rich, thats the 2nd time you've made that mistake in the last 2 weeks, it was David Kelly, not me

Baker: No insulting comments now

I love the edit button.
It was a pleasure meeting you in Atlanta and it's not a mistake thanking you for raising the bar and informing the public (along with that other guy) about the whole WFA process.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Joe Johnson

Let me say, in the interest of full disclosure that I covet this award.
There is no award that FIRST gives out that I believe is more rightly awarded year in and year out.

I am serious. Every year, I hold my breath as the award is anounced. Every year, I cross my fingers, hoping that my students decided to nominate me (they don't tell us who they nominate) and that their nomination was the winner. And EVERY YEAR, I scream with real emotion, "Worthy, Worthy, Worthy!" when I hear the name of the actual winner. Joe J.

Joe,
I cannot agree with you more! (Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa) The Woodie Flower's Award is important in that it tells us we are doing a good job. I consider myself blessed to know or have met most of the recipients. To be close to this group and discuss FIRST issues with them, is one of the treasures of being involved as an adult. I would also like to comment on the recent practice of having previous recipients present during the award ceremony. It must add an incredible emotion to an already charged ceremony. It reminds me of Eagle Scout ceremonies, where all Eagle scouts in the audience are asked to congratulate the newest member of the group.
I, like you, are in awe that each year's winner is so deserving. I can remember the emotion I felt when Andy Baker was announced last year, and how great it felt to know Andy and many people on his team. My only thought was to get a chance to congratulate him as soon as I could. I hope one day to do the same for you and any of the fifty others I can think of right now who are deserving.

[Chris Fultz]

I too am in awe of the WFA recipents at both the regional and national level.
It is fantastic to read and hear the stories and learn the impact these individuals are having on their students and their community.

As a relative newcomer (3 years and counting) to FIRST, I find it incredible that so many mentors have been involved for 10 years or more, often on several teams and in several capacities.

I hope the Regional WFA process continues, with that group of 26+ then being eligible for the National award. I also think it is great that previous WFA recipients announce the Regional recipient.

[Rich Kressly]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

...I would also like to comment on the recent practice of having previous recipients present during the award ceremony.

Liz Calef read Dave Beck's announcement in NJ. The fact that Dave is a teacher and Liz was the first teacher to win the award was awesome.

I'll also add a little tidbit I learned form Andy Baker in Atlanta. A few members of the WFA committee fought hard for the regional awards to be announced on Friday at the awards ceremony instead of Saturday. Reason? So that individual could spend all of Saturday being congratulated. Bravo!

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by Rich Kressly

I'll also add a little tidbit I learned form Andy Baker in Atlanta. A few members of the WFA committee fought hard for the regional awards to be announced on Friday at the awards ceremony instead of Saturday. Reason? So that individual could spend all of Saturday being congratulated. Bravo!

Giving credit where it is due, JVN came up with this idea. Last fall, I polled a few people for suggestions about this process (Steve Shade, John, Jason Morrella, etc.) and John had this idea. So, he's more than just a pretty face.

At one of the regionals (Sacramento), they postponed announcing the winner until Saturday because Steve's family and co-workers were not attending on Friday.

Andy B.