Thanks to All "Value-Added" Participants

[Rich Kressly]

As I was reading about JVN's graduation from Clarkson, something I've always believed in came to mind. I've always felt (and have often said), that no matter what you do in life, a person should leave something in a little better shape than they found it in. So I'd like to start a thread that thanks our "value-added" participants. Here's my entry:

JVN is not allowed to graduate from Clarkson and move on from 229 quietly. Why? Because JVN is the best example of "value-added" participation in FIRST that I can think of. All of his 229 contributions aside (which would be PLENTY by themselves considering he was earning an engineering degree at the same time), JVN has been involved in:

1. Providing us with a much improved kit chassis and gear box
2. Sharing drivetrain knowledge through presentations, like the Championship Conferences
3. Authoring useful CD White Papers. JVN's technical resources have been used in many places, including the 2005 Inventor Award Grand Prize Entry
4. Providing his story in this powerful collection of FIRST testimonials that is distributed internationally for a variety of FIRST purposes.
5. Being an active and important member of the CD community.

Thanks Dude! I know your involement in FIRST will continue some way, some how and we are all grateful for the value you have already added!


OK CDers, please let us know who else has added value to FIRST that we need to know about.

[Billfred]

I have to put the good word out for Dave Lavery. FIRST games just wouldn't be crazy enough without him.

[Amanda Morrison]

I vote to keep JVN up in NY, where the rest of the country can successfully avoid him, if so desired.

Just kidding. But in actuality, this is why the Unsung FIRST Heroes Award was created- because people, well deserving of recognition, kept falling through the cracks. This is why we should honor those who make that impact on the community.

Both of the people listed above were either a UFH or WFA. Nominate your mentor, if you feel that they have made an impact on your life.

[Rich Kressly]

Yeah ... do what Amanda said ....
She may be short, but she REALLY knows what she's talking about