UFH: Derek Bessette

[DanDon]

Congrats!!!

[Karthik]

I've worked with Derek for the past three years, since I joined Team 1114. He's one the best designers in this program and possibly one of the most unrecognized. A large part of the success of Team 1114 over the past four years is directly attributed to Derek. From the ingenious "paw" on the stacking wonder of 2003, to the deadly accurate shooter of 2006.

In 2005 Derek took over the coaching duties for Team 1114 from me. Those of you who know me, know how dedicated I was to that role. Derek has treated that role with the same amount of respect I have, and has done an amazing job. Coaching isn't just about winning matches, but getting the drive team to extend themselves to a new level. Derek's coaching has taught our drive team skills that they'll take with them forever. This is what I call "truly inspiring".

Derek is a leader of our team on and off the field. His dedication, attention to detail and drive inspire us all, students and mentors.

Derek, thanks for all you've done for the 1114 family. You're a great colleague and an even better friend. Some may even say, "you're the wind beneath my wings..."

I can't wait to see where our journey takes us next.

"and in the words of Ric Flair..."

[Beth Sweet]

Eeek! Congratulations Derek! I've gotten the pleasure of talking with you a few times now and I have heard much, much more from others (:cough: Karthik :cough: ). Everything I've seen and heard points straight to UFH/WFA. I'm glad that this went to such a great mentor, who seems to be quite unrecognized until now. Here's to the FIRST community knowing what a great asset we have in you!

[Ellery]

Congratulations Derek!
Another well deserved nomination! Also congrats on your wedding too, I just got married myself last year. The challenge now is how to balance FIRST with Work, Family, and grad school.... Hmm what a task.

Ellery

[Tristan Lall]

Congratulations, Derek!

I've also had the pleasure of working with him, both at GM St. Catharines and as an occasional mentor to 1114 and 1503, and I'll gladly echo the many well-deserved compliments that others have offered him. Keep up the excellent work.

[Lindsay Davies]

Congratulations Derek, and thank you for making my first year wonderful.
When build season first started, I felt very overwhelmed since I didn't know my way around the shop whatsoever. I didn't even know what vicegrips looked like. So when the time came when I was asked to do something, I would come to you with many of my questions and no matter how silly they were, you still took the time to help me.
I've learned a lot from you, and I hope to know more next year as well.
Thank you, and congratulations again, you deserve it.

[J Flex 188]

While I have been more of a passive reader and observer of ChiefDelphi this summer rather than an active poster, I simply had to come out and broadcast my thoughts about this particular UFH. As a student.. well a high school student at least, I would always see Derek working with, in, or around the 1114 pits, drive team or meeting area. While I didn't know or appreciate some of the finer points of his functions on the team before, I always noticed that he was already getting his hands dirty, explaining or repairing or teaching to members of his own and other teams. This year I got the opportunity to work with him and observe other members of 1114 more closely and came away more impressed than ever before with the professionalism and dedication that he espouses and instills among the students that he works with. I considered it a pleasure and an honour to work with him and look forward to many more instances in the future!

[Chris Sturrock]

Congratulations Derek.

all i can say is thank you, I have learned so much over the past 2 years, you've been an amazing mentor to all three teams.

you deserve this.

[Peter Matteson]

Congrats Derek!

I was glad to have the opportunity to meet you and the rest of 1114 at IRI this year.

Just have to ask who submitted the the wedding pic? Is there some one on CD who tries to find these types of pics for UFH?

Pete

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Congratulations, Derek.
When you receive high praise from Karthik and Beth you must be doing a remarkable job. Your team's success shows your involvement, keep up the good work!

[Bharat Nain]

Congrats Derek. Thanks for all the help at IRI and it was fun working with you guys. Keep up the good work and good luck.

[Tim Delles]

Derek Congrats. You really do deserve this. good luck with everything.

[Mark Garver]

From all of Team 68 congratulations Derek!

You are a great coach for the exact reasons Karthik mentioned. I look forward to working with you in the upcoming year; I just hope that we get the opportunity to be on the same alliance for once...

A very desiring award winner!

[Andy Baker]

Derek is a special guy.

Who can design robots, be a young & cool FIRST mentor, coach a drive team to win multiple regionals, AND sing a duet with arguably the worst vocalist in North America? Well, that would be Derek Bessette.

Way to go Derek! Here's to you.

Andy B.

[rourke]

And the really good news for me is that I have the privilege/benefit of having Derek & his talents here at GM full-time. Derek does an outstanding job in supporting the manufacture of Corvette Blocks and Cranks.

Given that I'm sitting here at my desk doing some compensation planning, I'd say this UFH award is rather timely!

Great job Derek! The cheque is in the mail. (Sorry Karthik, but you're no longer a GM employee so you'll just have to be satisfied with a pat on the back.)