Even though it is called the Regional Chairman’s Award, it turns out that we Regional Chairman do not participate in the selection or vetting of the teams. That is entirely between the judges and the students who present the material. To be honest, I am very happy with that arrangement, since for me to select a winner would be the most gut wrenching experience imaginable. Until the awards ceremony, the winning team is a secret that I am not privy to, but this winning team is not a surprise at all.
Washington state is blessed to have a number of very strong FIRST teams who do a lot of work to help FIRST run in our state. Volunteerism is alive and well throughout the entire FIRST community. I can’t express how much we appreciate and depend on the support of all Washington state teams. The success of this program is a direct result of the participation by all.
As an active recipient of the gracious professionalism, volunteerism, and can-do spirit of team 360’s efforts to support all of our programs, I would like to congratulate this team for winning this award. Team 360 has a long history of organizing, staffing, and executing all of the FIRST programs in our state. FLL, FVC/FTC, and FRC. 360 students and alumni are critical to the success of the Seattle FRC regional. For years, they have been the backbone of the FLL experience for thousands of students. They are the main force behind the FTC efforts. If you have been to a FIRSTWA event, you know this already!
Team 360 is a role model team for others in our region. I have been watching their impact on our FIRST community for many years, and on other FRC teams in particular. I already envision the next set of RCA winners who have learned so much from them.
On a personal note, I can’t imagine us having done FIRSTWA for the past 7 years without team 360’s help.
Kevin