LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Penfield High School Robotics Team,
Rolling Thunder, upon the occasion of receiving the Judges Award at the
2009 World FIRST Championships

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who have inspired and brought pride to
their school and community by achieving outstanding success in competi-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, upon the occasion
of receiving the Judges Award at the 2009 World FIRST Championships, one
of only two given out; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2004 through a partnership with Harris RF Communi-
cations, a local government-contracted communications company, the
Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, includes about 25
volunteers and 35 students; and
WHEREAS, The Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, has
a solid leadership structure, with each grade level electing two lead-
ers, and the 12th grade leader becoming the team captain; these leaders
direct the whole team and try to help out with everything; and
WHEREAS, For specialized work, the Penfield High School Robotics Team,
Rolling Thunder, is divided into seven subteams: Mechanical/Fabrication;
Electrical; Programming; Business/Marketing/Finance; Webpage;
Strategy/Drive/Rules; and Spirit/Logo; and
WHEREAS, The Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder,
embodies the spirit of FIRST, recognizing that it is much more than a
competition; since capturing the International Rookie All-Star in 2005,
it has assisted over 100 teams with everything from programming to mate-
rials to team structure; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling
Thunder, has hosted three annual FIRST events; Rah-Cha-Cha Ruckus, a
Halloween-themed competition; the Rochester Rally; and the Rookie Meet
and Greet at Championships; and
WHEREAS, The Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, has
also sponsored 32 First Lego Leagues over the past few years, which are
mentored by the students to keep the FIRST spirit alive; and
WHEREAS, The Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, was
comprised of: Jessica Butler, Tony Butler, Alex Ceci, Matthieu Dora,
Calvin Drake, Curtis French, Josh Goodman, Michael Hartman, Becca
Hasmann, Nicalos Jasak, Paul Jennings, Sean Kemp, Kristina Kohl, Rika
Lee, Michael MacNally, Theo Matt, Nic Maurer, Cuyler McChesney, Andy
Melnick, Jeremy Milianes, Michael Montemalo, Shauna Richards, Tresten
Rosati, Kyle Schuhart, Cristian Smith, Collin Sowinski, Peter Stoeckl,
Alex Vadas, Crystal Vongnaphone, Karen Wilson, Alex Wolf and Brenton
Wright; and
WHEREAS, The mentors, teachers and chaperones for the Penfield High
School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, were: Eric Averill, Leann Barto-
mioli, Eric Brewer, David Burlone, Cynette Cavaliere, Tom Cavaliere,
Tony Dal Santo, Jeff Downs, Lee Drake, Val Drake, Eric Eckhardt, Kimber-
ly Eckhardt, Karen Fellows, Joshua Gannon, Amy Gontarek, John Hall, Tom
Kanzler, Michelle Latona, Lawrence P. Lewis, Jr., Kevin Lloyd, Rick
Matter, Victor Parris, David Schoepe, Dean Smith, Ted Stocum, Dave
Vadas, David Weisbrod, Mike Wolf, Sharon Wolf, Amber Collins and Bonnie
MacLean; and
WHEREAS, The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of students
and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe

using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules; the Competi-
tion has grown to over 900 teams competing in 26 Regional Events,
including the Championship held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta where
more than 7,000 students participate; and
WHEREAS, Redefining winning for the competitors, the FIRST Robotics
Competition rewards teams for excellence in design, demonstrating team
spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to over-
come obstacles; scoring the most points is a secondary goal, winning
means building partnerships that last; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, these
scholars now stand honorably, with just pride in their accomplishments
and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appre-
ciating the caring counsel and support provided by their teachers,
coaches and parents; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding students who distinguish themselves through their excep-
tional performance and stand as a sterling example and inspiration to
all who would aspire to success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, upon the
occasion of receiving the Judges Award at the 2009 World FIRST Champion-
ships and offer them its best wishes for a future of purposeful success
and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Penfield High School Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder.