What is FIRST?
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) was founded by Dean Kamen, an inventor who has over 150 patents and Dr. Woodie Flowers, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Cambridge, MA.  The purpose is to promote math, science and technology to high school students in a fun and engaging way that is very challenging.  Students work along side adult mentors to design and build a robot and then compete in various competitions.  In addition to building a robot, students learn a lot of skills as well as“gracious professionalism.”  To view this year’s game go to:http://robotics.nasa.gov/first/2005/kickoff.htm

“Regardless of what we think, robotics isn’t just nuts and bolts: it isn’t metal plates; it isn’t the programming; it’s how it all comes together.” —Jonathan Ray, 17, Senior, Weston HS

“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” —Thomas Edison

“FIRST Robotics is the epitome of Edison’s message: Day in and day out we come into the workshop and put everything we have into what we hope will be a masterpiece.” —David Waterhouse, 16, Junior, Weston HS

“By showing up, as much as possible, and being the captain of the Weston portion of the Robotics Team; I have learned a lot about leadership, cooperation and teamwork.” —Marc Poirier, 17, Senior, Weston HS

“Being on a First Robotics Team has helped me learn how to work with and accept people that I never would have associated with before.  Teamwork has helped us to achieve our goals.” —Christy Corrigan, 17, Senior, Brookfield HS

“Before joining robotics, I had trouble socializing, but being part of FIRST has helped people to get to know me, understand me and to accept me.” —Larry Baker, 18, Senior, Brookfield HS

“FIRST robotics is not just about the competition, but the friendships forged in the process.” —David Meyard, 17, Senior, Brookfield HS

“FIRST is all about teamwork and synergy.  If we don’t all come together as a team our robot will fail.” —Sohail Ahmed, 17, Senior, Brookfield HS

“Robotics makes me smile.  Robotics is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.  Without robotics, I’d have a life.  Resistance is futile, lower your shields and prepare to be assimilated into FIRST.”  —Paul Heald, 15, Sophomore, Brookfield HS

“Robotics isn’t just an after-school activity; it’s a lifestyle.”  —Ben Luce, 15, Sophomore, Brookfield HS

“I learned about Adobe, Photoshop and Dreamweaver.” —Whit Sanborn, 15, Freshman, Weston HS

“FIRST teaches you to laugh at yourself and face the long hours and broken motors with a smile.  Eventually, out of chaos, everything pulls together.  My Dad likes robotics because now I know the difference between a combination and adjustable wrench and can fix things around the house.” —Megan Chen, 18, Senior, Brookfield HS

“Each of us is like a robot with only one wheel; we can only move forward by embracing each other.” —Jonathan Gemmell, 17, Senior, Brookfield HS