Editor,

We would like to give a standing ovation to the community of Whidbey Island for all the generous support you have given us. Over the course of three weeks, enough money was donated to the Wildcat Robotics Booster Club so that every FRC 2980 Wildcat Robotics Team member was able to attend the FIRST World Robotics Competition in Saint Louis on a full scholarship.

For this, we could not be more grateful. We come back with the Team Spirit award, one of only four given to teams at the Championship.

The community’s support of this team truly changes lives. There is a place for everyone on our team, whether one is technically acquainted with robotics equipment or not.

Our team cheerleader, the ninth- grade class president with no robotics experience, found a place inside a mascot suit.

Every member has found a place and a purpose because the community helped them by supporting this team.

A unique aspect of our team is our focus on reaching out to our elementary and middle school students. In five years, we have started nine FIRST Lego League teams and created new curriculum at our middle schools to improve our science and technology education.

All of this was done at the  request of members of our community, and would not have been possible without their input and support.

In FIRST Robotics, we learn the importance of community, both within FIRST and our own towns.

Team 2980 would not exist without the trust and belief our community has placed in us. Our program is meant to inspire students to have an impact on the world.

The kids in FIRST will grow to be teachers, inventors, artists, and anything else they want to be. Thank you for believing in a program that gives kids the ability to realize their dreams and make the world better.

We would like to give this opportunity to every student on our island. Our team is currently in the process of starting teams in Coupeville and South Whidbey to create an island-wide robotics program.  And so, with bright eyes and wide smiles, Team 2980 thanks you wholeheartedly and is proud to exist in the best of communities.

Of all the robotics teams in all the world, we genuinely believe we are the luckiest because we are surrounded by the best of people.

Thank you, Whidbey Island!

Whidbey Island Wildcat Robotics Team 2980