Karthik Kanagasabapathy Waterloo WFA

[Chris Sturrock]

What a day, thats all I can say. yesterday Karthik won the WFA, I was so happy, I almost ran out on the field and jumped on him! Although, I did jump on Karthik today when we won our Rookie Inspiration Award.

[shyra1353]

Congratulations Karthik!! Truly well deserved ...

[Alex Cormier]

what a honor! i bet you will enjoy it! congrats

[JVN]

WHOA!

Karthik,
Of all the coaches I've worked with, you're definitely not the worst.

Seriously though... you're the man. Congratulations on this obviously well deserved honor.

College mentors, represent!

-JV

[Travis Hoffman]

There are many awards in this world that I know Karthik would never have a shot at winning...most notably, a Grammy. However, the "Woodie" and Mr. Kanagasabapathy were made for each other. Congratulations, buddy, and keep up the great work!

[Andy Brockway]

Congratulations! Keep up the good work!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Congratulations, Karthik,
Your team knows more than any of us how much you deserve this award, thank goodness they are a good judge of charachter. Hope to see you in Atlanta.
Congratulations!

[Amanda Morrison]

Congratulations, Karthik! So entirely well deserved. I don't think half of FIRST knew of your tireless dedication.

... I also don't think they know how to spell Kanagasabapathy, as nobody in this thread has yet.

[Karthik]

Thank you, you're far too kind.

I've had a weekend to try and gather my thoughts, yet they're still not organized in any sort of way. I apologize for the length of this message, but I really want to take this time to thank all of the people involved in this.

Ian and Oliver are correct, I was completely speechless. When the award was being announced, I was standing beside Rob Gorbet and Mark Breadner, behind the scorers table. Event Manager extraordinaire, Steve Krawic suddenly came up to me took away my headset and walkie talkie. At this point I had no idea what was going on. I missed part of the award description being read by Ian McEwan, because I was trying to figure out why my headset was taken away. (I get really engrossed in simple things) Next thing I know, Mr. Breadner and Rob are gone. At this point I'm seriously confused. I was like "Do I have the plague or something?" Then I hear Ian announce my name. My jaw dropped. I probably would have cried, but I was too shocked to shed a tear. As I enter the field, I see that Mr. B and Rob have joined the end of the congratulations line.

I don't think I've ever had a prouder moment. Seeing the looks of joy on the faces of my kids, that was priceless. Especially my nominator, Emerald Church. Em's like a little sister to me. I get teary eyed just thinking about the thoughtfulness of her and the team nominating me.

I just want to thank everyone who I've ever come in contact with in FIRST, I'm here today because of all of you. Special thanks to the following people;

My original mentors Mr. Mark Breadner and Mr. Roly Anderson. They took a punk of a 16 year old, and somehow taught me to be so much more.

Team 1114 Executive Sponsor, Steve Rourke for not only providing me with the opportunity to work with Team 1114, but taking me under his wing and teaching me how to be a leader. Team 1114 lead teacher, Greg Phillips for showing me that a good mentor shouldn't let personal feelings get in the way of doing the right thing. These two men are my mentors. I lookup to them with great respect.

Derek Bessette for showing me that a mentor can lead a team, without constantly barking out orders. Ian Mackenzie for always finding new ways to inspire me, and for being a constant beacon of gracious professionalism. Whenever I come up with an ill-advised idea, Ian is always there to stop me.

I'm still getting used being a regional WFA winner. I have always held this award in the highest esteem, and I never thought that I would be part of this distinguished group. Thank you to the WFA committee for recognizing me with this honour.

I'd like to end by saying, wow, this is pretty freakin' cool.

[Steve W]

I waited till after Karthik posted because of all the good material he leaves for me. To see him speechless was a thing to marvel at. I know how much this award means to him and how he feels that he is not up to the level of those that he looks up to. Karthik I told you once and I will say it again, You are inspiring. The energy that you give out about FIRST makes people take a second look. When they do they get hooked. You may not feel that you deserved this award but the judging panel did and so do all of the people that you come in contact with. A BIG congrats!!!!!!

PS - Don't let your head swell faster than you can grow hair. It's already becoming an issue.