Influencing Future Generations of FIRST

By Andrew Saunders

A leading phrase in FIRST is “more than robots,” which means that teams should be motivated to make measurable impacts in their community. While several awards recognize success in engineering, design, and programming, the Chairman’s Award seeks to highlight teams that set an example for others and pave the way for the future.

The Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, and it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST. Teams are required to submit an essay highlighting their endeavors and give a presentation to judges at the district competition. In Michigan, the Chairman’s Award District winners will present again at the State competition, and finally the FIRST Championship.

It is important that FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) teams inspire the next generation of engineers and creative minds to get involved in FIRST.  We have made efforts to fulfill this goal by visiting many schools in the Metro Detroit Area and presenting our robot to elementary students and explaining to them what FIRST is all about. Our involvement with other schools also includes assisting with FTC and FLL teams. Our involvement with sponsors inspired the creation of FIRST teams in the United Kingdom.

Our submission also discusses our involvement and evolution within Bishop Foley Catholic. We have teamed up with our student council for a food drive, in which we collected 770 pounds of canned goods. We have also made an impact on the curriculum at our school by working with administration to offer more STEAM focused classes.

The Foley Freeze enjoys reaching out to the community while inspiring others in the field of STEAM. We have already submitted our essay for The Chairman’s award and we look forward to giving our presentation and sharing all of the great things we have done with the FIRST community.