AFLAC Regional Manager, Ruth Young hosted FIRST Robotics team representatives from the City of Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax Counties in a luncheon in honor of the region’s FIRST teams’ accomplishments. The celebration luncheon was hosted at the Dan River Business Development Center. AFLAC representatives were joined by Pattie Cook, Coordinator for the NASA Langley and VCU Regional Robotics Competition.

Ms. Cook provided an overview of the FIRST program for attendees stating, “You have changed the perspectives of students across the area toward math and science. Your FIRST programs incorporated into the curriculums and concepts such as teamwork, problem solving, and mentoring from leaders in industry are becoming commonplace. More importantly, you are mentoring other students, in high school teams, and now increasingly in Lego Leagues for Elementary Schools.” Students who compete in this program are also eligible for over $5 million in scholarships – helping them recognize the vital role these skill sets play in paving the road to their future.

The teams recognized were team 977 Cometbots from Halifax County High School. They have been active in the FIRST program since 2002, and have made the program a part of the school’s regular curriculum. Team 1095, the RoboCavs from Chatham High School; they have participated in FIRST since 2003. The Galileo Magnet High School’s team Phoenix Rising also started their program in 2003 as Team 1236. The latest team in the region is Team 1598, the Eagles, from George Washington High School, coming on board in 2005.

Ms. Young commended the teams for the coordination, teamwork, and training that it takes to organize a team. “These students epitomize the values our region’s companies seek in hiring new employees. I congratulate each of you on your tremendous accomplishments, and challenge businesses across our region to support these students as they represent our region well among the scientists, engineers, and students - competing at the top of the field among the best teams in the nation.” She concluded her presentation with the announcement of a $100 donation to each of the four schools as a seed by AFLAC to start the fund raising to support their teams efforts for the upcoming year.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) promotes the FIRST Robotics Competition, the Nation’s largest high school robotics competition of its kind that develops critical skills in science and technology in a super-charged learning atmosphere. Teams of high school students partner with scientists, engineers, corporate sponsors and university mentors with hopes of creating a task-performing robot that can compete head to head on the arena floor attracting thousands of students and spectators to participate in the March madness of academics.

FIRST is a 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 1989 to interest and inspire students in mathematics and science. The FIRST Foundation was founded by Dean Kamen, President of DEKA Research and Development Corporation, and sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). You can learn more about the organization on their national website at www.usfirst.org.

If you or your company is interested in participating, or if you are in supporting FIRST you can do so by becoming a team or regional event sponsor, mentoring a team, volunteering, or making a donation. Companies interested should contact their local school’s team directly or contact Patti Cook, at 804-784-4898 or at robotsfirst@aol.com. Your regional AFLAC office is committed to the education, motivation and recognition of the student’s in our region. Please join AFLAC in support of these wonderful children.

(l to r) Ruth Young, Aflac-Regional Sales Coordinator; Patti Cook, First Robotics-Regional Coordinator, Dr. Sue Davis, Danville Public Schools-Superintendent-;James McDaniel, Pittsylvania County Public Schools-Superintendent, ; Dr. Charles Lowery-Halifax Public Schools-Administrator