UFH: Stephen Florence

[CD47-Bot]

Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Stephen Florence.



Name: Stephen Florence
Date Honored: 02-14-2005
Years involved w/FIRST: 5
FIRST Team(s): Purdue FIRST Programs &, West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School (0461)
Role: Lead Teacher
Quote: "Make it happen."
Bio: Stephen 'Flo' Florence is a well-known force behind the revered Westside Boiler Invasion Team #461, and an active member in FIRST in the state of Indiana. Steve has helped start rookies all over the state, offering his team's resources and his own personal guidance for their success. A technology teacher and a great mentor, Steve is known throughout the state for his knack for teaching and his dedication for the FIRST program.

We asked Steve a little about his accomplishments in FIRST. He told us, "Our team has been rewarded in many ways through awards, community recognition and support. Throughout the past five years we have won many different awards at competition as well as a Chairman’s Award in 2003. We measure our success as a team by the accomplishment we are able to start in our community. We currently have grown our FLL program to 8 teams, hosting a FLL Regional and now we are going to host a FRIST Robotics Regional in the spring of 2005. Purdue University has seen the value of FIRST and is willing to support our efforts to bring FIRST to the community."

Steve also mentioned his favorite memory in his FIRST history. "My favorite memory about FIRST is during our 1st year the 2000 season. We struggled with many of the aspects of design, building, and the financial support. To our rescue were three teams (45, 68 and 71) that gave us support in all these areas. Without them we would have not had the great experience that FIRST is all about. These teams helped us the confidence to achieve the Rookie All-Star at the Midwest Regional. Team 68 also helped us to go to Nationals with finical support. The experience at Nationals gave all of us the desire and passion to achieve. This opened all of our eyes to the see how great the FIRST program is and how important it is to share this message."

Flo also gave us some great advice: "Find a goods mentoring team and have faith that things will work out of the best. The community in which you live will rise to support the students in the quest. FIRST is an outstanding program with the ability to change the lives of so many."

Congratulations to Stephen Florence for being honored as our next Unsung FIRST Hero.

Nominated By: Josh Hambright