Mentor Bios

I have been involved with FIRST for 4 years.

Senior Engineer for the National Weather Service National Reconditioning Center.


My son was involved as a sophomore, and came back from Chicago super excited, along with the rest of our family that had watched the matches streamed over the internet. I hadn't really been involved at that time, but traveled with the team to Atlanta for Nationals and was hooked!


It is a fantastic opportunity for the students who get involved. They are learning so much that they don't even realize at the time. Teamwork, dedication, problem solving, business skills, presentation skills, coopertition, safety, and along the way some real world engineering of solving the "Game" with all its trade-offs and challenges. Team 1710 and FIRST Robotics had such a positive influence on my son I had to get and stay involved.


The students get exposure to real-world engineering tasks, along with all the problems of budget, time crunch, teamwork, and frustration. They get to speak with business leaders and work to get sponsorships, making contacts and developing speaking skills and learning life-lessons. They get to share the experience with younger students in FIRST lego league, exposing them to opportunities for their future. The benefits the students get is fantastic, and then can be multiplied by FIRST participants giving back and presenting opportunities for the next class to come along. The participants can feel pretty confident in at least a start of a career path that they have had a glimpse into. It is just a super program.

I have been involved with FIRST for 3 years.

I am a Mechanical Engineer at Black & Veatch. I am responsible for designing and conducting performance tests of power plants.


My son was a team member the first year I became involved with the team.


It's a lot of fun working with a group of energetic and enthusiastic people working toward a common goal.


I am continually amazed by the numbers of students from the team who go on to pursue stuies / careers in technical fields.

I have been involved with FIRST for 1 year.

Engineer, electrical


Through Austin, last year


A great opportunity for the students. Very impressive staff. Rewarding to work with all.


It gives the students a view of working in an engineering organization.

I have been involved with FIRST for 3 years.

Packaging Engineer with Huhtamaki


When my oldest son, Richard, got on the team as a sophomore.


Team 1710 provides students with an amazing opportunity to create something tangible from nothing. The hands-on learning that the students experience is so valuable.


First gives students experiences that are played-out in corporations every day - building a team and working collaboratively toward a common development goal. Involvement in the robotics team provides knowledge and experience which compliments the high academic standards expected of the students.

I have been involved with FIRST for 2 years.

Mom and student at JCCC.


Through my sons.


Opportunity. Opportunity to see how much a dedicated team can do, to develope skills both hands on and skills in working with people. Opportunity to be involved with other people with many of the same interests and goals.


FIRST offers youth in the community hands-on involvement in engineering (though the workshops 1710 members do, through the help 1710 members give to other engineering related clubs in the area {like LegoLeague}. Also, FIRST encourages youth by sparking interest in engineering in general especially by offering opportunities to actually get involved in various aspects of engineering.

I have been involved with FIRST for 1 year.

Secondary Math Educator - Olathe District Schools


I was asked to come and help. Once I saw that I could add value to the process, getting involved was natural.


Success, opportunities, teamwork, and fun


FIRST embodies what is necessary for success in the 21st century by integrating theory, knowledge, multiple disciplines, problem-solving and teamwork into a real-life application.

I have been involved with FIRST for 2 years years.

Compliance Specialist at Farmers Insurance.


When my son joined FIRST Team 1710 as a sophomore.


Team 1710 is creating new engineers who will drive the entire future economic engine of the country.


FIRST embodies a fantastic opportunity for students to make a positive influence within their community by solving real world engineering challenges. They become so involved that they do not realize they are really making a difference and having a learning experience at the same time.

I have been involved with FIRST for 3 years.

Electronics Technician. Currently unemployed. Laid off due to economy.


My daughter, Amanda, has been on the team for 3 years now and she loves it!


Team 1710 is a great group of students and coaches who are passionate about their goals and are very good ambassadors for their school and their community. I am very proud of them!


I think FIRST is a great organization that teaches students not just about robotics and business, but also professionalism, teamwork, problem solving, and community spirit. I believe that students who are exposed to FIRST, will go on to become better, more productive and compassionate members of society.

I have been involved with FIRST for 1 year.

Project Manager for Grundfos Pumps. Experise in electrical, mechanical, and project management.


My son joined FIRST this year.


Team 1710 is an incredible growth opportunity for the students - leadership, engineering, creativity, entrepreneurship, team work - its all there.


FIRST prepares young adults for many of the challenges they will face in life. The program sets a great example for community involvement and service.

I have been involved with FIRST for 3 years.

Elementary Teacher--2nd grade Rockville Elementary School Louisburg, Kansas


I got involved in team 1710 3 years ago when my oldest son Davis was on the team.


Team 1710 means commitment, working and learning together, and having fun while doing all this. The team is made up of a great group of kids that really put their heart and soul into what they are doing.


FIRST provides an opportunity for the kids to work together and get involved with the community businesses. With the support of the local businesses our team is successful. This support gives the kids the opportunity to try new ideas and use the skills they have learned throughout high school.

I have been involved with FIRST for 3 years years.

Compliance Manager


I got involved with first when my son joined the team in 2007. It only took a few meetings and I was hooked. I have stayed involved, with both my son and daughter on the team.


The team is like a giant family. I love being able to help the students learn real life skills.


FIRST has had a big impact in our communtity making engineering fun and exciting with FRC, Battlebots, Lego League, and Vex programs. It gets kids involved from Elementary to Highschool.