The award is presented annually to a rookie team displaying a young but strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the mission of FIRST, which is to inspire students to learn more about science and technology. After the final round of competition, the Newfane/Delphi team ranked in the top one-third from a field of seventy teams throughout the region. A total of seventeen rookie teams competed in the regional battle.

FIRST represents a cooperative, team effort among students, teachers, communities, corporations, and government. Cooperation among teams was clearly evident during the two days of match play. Commenting on the “co-opetition”, team member Dan Dillabough stated, ”this accomplishment shows that we can do great things when we really apply ourselves and focus our efforts on reaching a common goal”. According to Den Black, chief engineer at Delphi’s Harrison Thermal Systems facility in Lockport, New York, “the one word that describes this experience is AWESOME! This project has been a fun and challenging event that none of the participants will ever forget. Winning this award is simply the icing on a cake comprised of innovation, technology, team spirit and hard work”.

The robots was designed and built by students, engineers and skilled tradespeople from Newfane High School and Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems during a six week period. The team will travel to Epcot Center in Florida in April to compete in the US FIRST National Competition.

Commending the team on their success, Robert D’Angelo, Newfane High School prinicpal stated, “we are so very proud of our students and their determination in designing, fabricating and operating such an extremely complicated creation in their inaugural season. Win or lose, this team will always be a champion with the Newfane family”.