In the summer of 2007, Miss Daisy was invited to join the FIRST® President’s Circle, a group of 20 teams empowered by the FIRST® President to inspire the growth of the organization. In order to be invited to the circle, teams had to submit a video describing some aspect of how they recruit and support rookie teams. We chose the subject of Ramp Riot and focused on our relationship with one of our rookie teams, Team 2234, Episcopal Academy. The FIRST® reviewers said the video was even better than what they had hoped to receive and many of our students worked long after meetings had ended for the year to complete it. Take a peek at the video below.
After being selected for the President’s Circle, Team 341 and a committee of dedicated teams spent a busy summer analyzing teams’ websites, manuals, and technical resources that could benefit rookie teams. We also compiled a list of available grants, educational funds, and corporate sponsorships for teams in need of funding. Through both our “Team In A Box” DVD project and our work with the President’s Circle, we have changed the way FIRST® approaches mentorship – helping hundreds of teams and thousands of students to benefit from all that FIRST® has to offer.
As part of our involvement with the President’s Circle, our team was invited to attend the 2008 Kickoff and also attend a luncheon with FIRST® President, Paul Gudonis. Miss Daisy was privileged enough to sit on the stage during this year’s game unveiling and one of our students, Natalie Morris, even made it on to the webcast. Overall, our students had a great time and were also able to squeeze in a visit to Dean Kamen’s house while they were there.
