Chairman's Award
The FIRST Robotics Chairman’s Award was created to recognize teams exhibiting outstanding partnership between their team, community and the world. All winners of this award must exemplify FIRST’s main goals in creating its unique robotics competition. They must strive to interest other young people in pursuing science and technology and work hard to apply gracious professionalism wherever possible.
Being presented with this award is an incredible honor, and teams that win have accomplished incredible feats. In the 2008 national championship, the winning team started a blood drive, mentored FLL teams, hosted FLL and FTC tournaments within their state, and, of course, completed their homework given by Dean Kamen at kick-off. They also had a large impact on science education in their state, and were extensively involved in these matters.
For three consecutive years, Alpine Robotics Team 159 has earned the honor of receiving this esteemed award at the Colorado Regional competition. Last year, in 2008, their efforts were politically based. Not only did the team come into contact with Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien, but also created a flourishing relationship with Representative Randy Fischer. In addition, Alpine Robotics hosts an annual First Lego League competition here at Poudre High School School. The tournament is the second largest in the nation, beat only by the tournament at LegoLand. We helped create a Robotics Day at the Denver Capital building. Team 159 focuses all year long on being more environmentally friendly, by conserving energy and taking advantage of reusable items.