Here’s my feeble attempt to say, “thank you” to everyone who has sent along well wishes in the past few days. It’s not every day you can have your picture taken with Dave, Sister Baker (on a Mission from Dean), and Dina Campagna (a WFFA recipient in attendance and a good friend). It was a very special and humbling weekend for me and those folks in the picture, along with the host of other WFFA winners who were there, made it that much more memorable. Having Andy read the announcement means more to me than words can express because he exemplifies what so many of us aspire to become. I’ve told the team a few times now that I cannot find the words to fully express my gratitude for their incredible gesture of support and I imagine it will take a while longer before I can even come close.
Despite all the crap that we give you (both deserved and just because you are in arm’s reach), I can’t think of anyone that deserves this more. You have proven time and time again that an ability to put students first, to be a teacher to both students and adults alike, to be a storehouse of great wisdom, honest humility, and great sense of humor really can all fit in one package. I learn from you every time we talk. Congratulations on the WFFA.
I had the sound down in the webcast and was going strictly by Sister Baker’s facial expressions. I knew that the award would be given to you solely by the emotion that was being controlled in her holy face. It was a cross between joy and wanting to cry.
Thought I may post the section of the essay I contributed just to give anyone who doesn’t know Rich like I do some insight on how much he deserved the award.
“Rich made me feel right at home during my 3 years with Dawgma. Right from when we started up in 2006, I would have never thought that my first period English teacher would get me involved with the great program that FIRST is. As a transfer into LM my sophomore year, Kressly found me and got me involved, and I am ever greatful for it. He took me under his wing during my time at Lower Merion and I made sure I put in the time to show him how much I appriciated it. Rich drove me not only to be a better student, but a better person as well. There wasn’t a meeting I would miss unless school got in the way, Kressly always made sure of that. Education came first no matter what, and its helped me immencely during my first year in College, somewhere I probably wouldn’t be if I never met Rich. He truly gets what the program is about and passes it on to all of the members, no matter how involved they are.”
Thanks for a great 3 years at Dawgma Kres. I will always be available to any team thanks to your inspiration.
I really do have to thank you for the inspiration and help you have provided me as a begin to lead a team for the first time. I looked up to you as a mentor when you were on 103 and never lost sight of that respect when 1712 was founded.
Thanks for the personal help you provided this past fall with the NASA grant and for the model I try to follow as a I continue to move my rookie team into the future. The Philadelphia area lucky to be surrounded by so many WFFA winners in our region for inspiration.
Sister Baker is Andy Baker. Andy is a wonderful role model for everyone and is beloved in the community of FIRST. Mr. Kressly could probably talk for hours, days, weeks, years, regarding the impact that Andy Baker has made on FIRST and the people that have been a part of the incredible journey. It is very difficult not to tease the Baker man about his latest incarnation that is connected to the Blues Brothers theme that FRC 45 has going on this year.
You might also recognize him as the Andy part of AndyMark.
When many people heard your name read by Andy on the WFA nominees list (a practice that I hope ALL regionals repeat this season), I, and many others, were anxiously hoping you would be recognized. You have done so much for so many people and very deserving of this recognition. On behalf of all of MOE 365, we congratulate you on being the person you are.
Now, how about posting a photo of you wearing a MOE jersey? I think someone has one. :rolleyes:
Well, thanks for explaining that one to me. And, as an added bonus, I have an idea of who Andy Baker is now! Maybe after the Colorado Regional, I won’t feel so out of the loop…
