Click here for information on how Team 329 won the FIRST REGIONAL CHAIRMAN'S AWARD

     F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Robotics is a program founded by Dr. Woodie Flowers and Dean Kamen to encourage students to get involved in Science and Mathematics. It creates a point scoring game and a goal to achieve to hold their interest and allow a feeling of accomplishment and success. The game varies every year so that the entire team is faced with a new challenge, including new rules.

     F.I.R.S.T. was also started so that students would not only dream of growing up to become famous athletes. It shows them that they can achieve great things using the power of their minds, where everyone has an even playing field. It is a place where knowledge and intelligence is celebrated and rewarded. These experiences will follow them throughout their lives and help them with different life problems they may encounter.

     One of the most unique parts of the F.I.R.S.T. program is that, even though all the teams are in competition with each other they exercise gracious professionalism and maturity. Every team knows how hard they all worked to get where they are, and would not do anything to obstruct the others from accomplishing their goals. This is also driven by the fact that, though you may be competing with a team in one match, they could be on your alliance in the next match. It creates a fair environment filled with team spirit and equality.

     F.I.R.S.T encourages students to become active members of their community. Students are rewarded on both the local and national level for creating programs to help the environment, using alternative forms of energy, community service, and mentoring. These programs are designed to be implemented into every phase of the education system from the elementary level to high school and beyond.

 - Lauren Davis