UFH: Lauren Vertz

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Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Lauren Vertz.



Name: Lauren Vertz
Date Honored: 05-14-2005
Years involved w/FIRST: 5
FIRST Team(s): GE Volunteers/Pentair Water &, Oconomowoc High School (0269)
Role: Mentor
Quote: Happiness…is not what you have, it’s your ability to enjoy what you’ve got.
Bio: Laurie Vertz has always claimed that she is 'just a mom'. However, the FIRST community and Team #269 beg to differ. Laurie has helped the team with extensive fundraising, team logistics, travel coordination, and working year round to further the expansion of Cooney Robotics. She joined the team with her daughter, and hasn't stopped working since.

Laurie defined being 'just a mom' as doing "a little of everything. My primary responsibility is fundraising but I have learned quite a bit about building robots.' She also describes her five years in FIRST as wonderful, and is very supportive of the whole program.

Laurie shared her favorite memory from her time in FIRST- the Championship Event in Houston, Texas in 2003. "The students had the opportunity to spend Friday night riding roller coasters and playing games. After just a half hour of that, and free food, they rushed back to the hotel to do more scouting and plan strategy for the Saturday matches. Who wouldn’t want to hang around with students who are so excited about FIRST!"

She also told us, "My daughter Paula joined FIRST in 2001 and I came and watched. Then I started fundraising in 2002 and haven’t stopped. We managed to raise $20,000 in two weeks, with lots of help from the team and our generous community, when we won the Midwest Regional in 2004. I spend lots of time with the students promoting FIRST by visiting the schools, businesses and community groups. I am always willing to share fundraising strategies with other teams. We can all learn from each other." Laurie also volunteered at the Boilermaker and Midwest Regionals, and at the Championships this year.

She also offered a quote as advice: "Happiness…is not what you have, it’s your ability to enjoy what you’ve got."

Hats off to Laurie Vertz, 'just a mom' for Team #269, but certainly an Unsung FIRST Hero to the rest of us.

Nominated By: Ricky Q.