Sad News for FIRST- passing of Dave Beck, team 103

[jessjank.]

Most of us have been at a loss for words. We're all devastated...

Wanted to post his 2004 WFFA Essay for those of you who never knew Dave Beck...

What is the component that makes someone an outstanding leader, an admirable person, or even a hero? It's more than the common choices he makes or the ability to take 35 people and turn them into an organized functioning team that strives to achieve certain tasks and goals at the highest level possible. The fact of the matter is, to be this type of person, it's all about the sacrifices that one makes and the way these sacrifices inspire and influence others in a positive manner. David Beck is a technology and engineering teacher at Palisades High School and proud mentor of Cybersonics Team 103. He has made sacrifices in his personal life that many consider to be unfathomable, and has defined the role of a communicator whose actions and passionate words have become the glue that has held the Cybersonics family together for the past eight years.
In the small Palisades School District where there are more farms than traffic signals, there is always a continual struggle to get students involved in activities and clubs; however this has never been the case with Cybersonics. So what is this undetermined factor that brings students from grades 9-12 into the technology room until 9 o'clock for 42 days and captivates most of their personal lives? It's simply because learning about science and technology has become fun and exciting due to the drastic influence that Mr. Beck has had on us all. According to team members, Mr. Beck "made FIRST a rewarding experience" and "encourages us to go out of the box to solve complex problems" through "innovative methods of teaching". He is a man who has realized the true value of FIRST and has responded to Dean Kamen's encouragement to spread the message by incorporating classes in the school curriculum that reflect FIRST's competitions. Mr. Beck is a man that makes each of us a better person; he encourages everyone from the head manufacturer to the freshmen journalist to participate and make a difference. Most importantly he realizes that "Cybersonics is about people" and "...about kids and mentors coming together to achieve at the highest level."
Perhaps what makes Mr. Beck so special to all of us and provides all of Team 103 with the drive to push forward when the future may look dismal, are his inspiring words. At the beginning of every season, he makes his expectations crystal clear: "As a member of this team, you are going to be asked to do things that may seem unreasonable. If you are not ready or willing to commit the time and energy necessary to be a member of this team, this is your chance to leave." As a leader he makes the ultimate sacrifices as a husband, father, and individual. Throughout the six weeks he holds various different meetings to remind each student that "FIRST is a privilege, not a right".
Over the years Mr. Beck has had a tremendous impact on everyone he encounters, even those that our team frequently faces during competition. As Paul Kloberg of team 1403 and former mentor of 303 would say, "if there were such a thing as a "DAVE BECK AWARD", I'm quite certain that Woodie Flowers himself would be honored and humbled to be selected...". Mr. Beck's team spirit and enthusiasm at competitions exemplify that he is passionate about science and technology and truly cares about the success of the FIRST organization. For two members of our team he is a father and uncle, but for all of us he is a deeply admirable person, a friend, and most importantly, our hero.