Dear FIRST Chesapeake Community,
I am thrilled to celebrate the success of our 2023 FRC District Championship! It was a challenging two years, but we returned to in-person events post-COVID, and we did it with a bang! I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the talented teams, dedicated volunteers, staff, sponsors, and other supporters who made this season happen. Without your hard work, commitment, and support, none of this would have been possible.
The championship was a resounding success, with attendees consistently noting that it was the best championship in years. The high caliber play featured countless triple balances and demonstrated the incredible talent of drivers on all teams. We saw outstanding performances from all 60 FRC teams, and it was especially thrilling to see Teams #1731, #2363, and #2199 of the blue alliance set a World High Score for a playoff with no fouls at a score of 191. Additionally, we were blown away by Rookie team #9072, who competed at a high level after only accepting the championship slot days before the competition. They were selected as Rookie All Stars and advanced to Worlds. I am incredibly proud of all the teams that participated and congratulate all teams that are advancing to Worlds.
Our volunteers were a critical part of the success of the championship. With over 110 volunteers, the field volunteers and referees did an amazing job keeping the competition tight and on time during the three-day event. Almost half of our volunteers are FIRST alumni, highlighting the dedication and passion of our community. We also had 47 Student Ambassadors who worked tirelessly to greet guests and lead tours of the pits and field. One of the best displays of talent, cooperation, and dedication came when one of the charging stations broke during the competition, and the field crew sprang into action, replacing the charging station in just 18 minutes. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work of all our volunteers and appreciate their dedication to making this championship a success.
I am happy to say that we were honored to be able to name two Woodie Flowers Award Finalists this year. Congratulations to Rose Young and Samantha Wheeler Marrs for being named as finalists. It is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication and hard work in mentoring and inspiring young people in the FIRST community.
Keeping with the FIRST family, FLL Explore held a scrimmage alongside our Championship. 12 FLL Explore teams participated, and FRC Team #1885 from Haymarket VA gave specially designed tours to our potential future FRC team members. Several hundred family members and supporters came out to support the FLL kids, aged 5-10, at the Expo, the parade of teams, and the FLL Explore award ceremony. The FLL teams in attendance were given tours of the FRC pits, and when asked who wanted to join an FRC team, every one of them raised their hands. This was an incredible testament to the excitement and passion for FIRST within our community.
We also featured an exciting cybersecurity-based card game in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton and CIAS out of the University of Texas in San Antonio. The Cyberdefender Card Game attracted over 400 players and was facilitated by three Alumni Ambassadors.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation to our sponsors, particularly Booz Allen Hamilton, who didn’t just serve as title sponsor for the championship, but as an example of STEM professionalism in action. Their demonstration of an advanced robotic dog for visitors and on the playfield were a highlight for the crowd and featured the excellent partnership FIRST Chesapeake maintains with industry leaders. We also appreciate the support of numerous team mentors and coaches who brought state delegates and representatives to the competition, who were all amazed at the incredible talent on display.
Overall, the 2023 FRC District Championship was an incredible success and a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. I am so proud of all of you and thank you for your unwavering support now, and in the future. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and what we can accomplish byworking together to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Thank you again to everyone.
With Appreciation,
Scott Turnbull
Executive Director, FIRST Chesapeake
