Last year, our students were going to submit one of our mentors for the Woodie Flowers Award, but unfortunately they missed the submission deadline and did not get it in.
This year, they want to do it again, but the mentor recently passed away. Has anyone ever heard of a posthumous nomination for this award? I do not think it is important that the mentor be seriously considered for the award, but more that the students have the closure of following through with their intentions – if that’s possible.
Incidentally, the mentor in question was Kenneth R. Vessey Jr. Many of you may know the name as he was the UL Safety Advisor at many events, including Championships over the years.
I do not think that this is the correct forum to share the link, but we have started a scholarship in his name for FRC students on Long Island. If you knew of Ken and want the link to the scholarship fund page, please let me know and I would be happy to provide it.
I know for a fact that this has happened before, but it is not clear whether or not it is actually allowed, or if they will be considered - only HQ can answer that part.
Hi Steve, 2 seasons ago for FTC there were three winners of the Compass award (Woodie Flowers in FTC) at Champs.
If memory serves the third place winner of the award passed away and was still nominated by his team. Noah Devico was the name. I remember thinking it was a wonderful gesture. I don’t know if the rules are different for frc.
Good luck in your pursuit of a WFFA. Our mentor, Dean Scherman, was awarded a WFFA in 2010 after he passed away in Fall 2009. Since that was a while ago now, I’m not sure getting the nomination would have the same process or rules. When I was nominated and awarded the WFFA this year, I was greeted by Mr. Scherman’s wife and son which was an incredibly emotional and special moment for me. So I’m glad that it was allowed then.
