Who would you like to see speak at a FIRST event?

[Natchez]

Call me ole fashioned but what about having a "local" hero speak. Maybe one who has dedicated her life to the future of America such as a fireman or a soldier ... or maybe the Chairman's Winner! What better people to speak "with" us than those who we respect and yearn to know more about. Here's how I envision it. Between the final rounds, the FIRST Chairman would announce a Chairman's Award finalist (some background on what the team has done and then announce the team); let's say five would be announced for discussion sake. The Chairman's Award representatives (those who presented to the judges) of these five teams would then proceed to the floor and be on standby to give their presentation to the entire audience. Yes, they, along with their team, would be very, very nervous but would also be VERY well prepared to give their 5 minute presentation. At the end of the awards ceremony, the Chairman would announce the Chairman's Award winner from the five finalists then the team would do their presentation to the entire audience from the center of Einstein (this would be a nice ending - the last team "standing" on Einstein is the ultimate winner) followed by the National Anthem. Another FIRST year would come to a close and the last thing that would be on our minds is how the best team in FIRST does it ... very relevant and inspiring.

If this crazy idea doesn't work for you then I'd still stick with a "local" hero such as Dave, Andy Baker, or any other WFA winner.

If I had to go outside of the FIRST family, I think Charlie Bolden would be an excellent choice. Hero and passion are synonymous with Charlie.

Two weeks left in the crazy house,
Lucien