The Donald Bowers Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who instill the values of FIRST within their team and community. Since 1995 Donald has served FIRST in our region, initially facilitating the development of regionals and later serving as Regional Director within our community. Donald had an unmistakable presence at FIRST events – one that welcomed each and every student, encouraging them to pursue their passions with humility and compassion. His legacy to inspire students is embedded deep within the roots of FIRST Mid-Atlantic.
Each team attending a FIRST Mid-Atlantic District Event may submit one individual for consideration at each district event who has impacted and inspired their team. The candidate may be a mentor, volunteer, parent, or sponsor. The 500 word (maximum) essays will be collected at pit admin. The deadline for submission is the start of opening ceremonies. The recipient will be selected by an honored guest at each event, and will be presented alongside the Outstanding Volunteer Award prior to alliance selection.
Recipients:
| 2017 HH: Cassie Beck (Team 103) MO: Kristian Calhoun (Team 25) SCH: Peter Wolfe (Team 2590) SEN: Brian Sherman (Team 708) WT: Rob Ervin (Team 5407) BR: Kevin Mastropietro (Team 3637) MT: Kevin Polenti (Team 75 |
2018 HH: Clem McKown (Team 1640) MO: Matt Palmere (Team 2495) SCH: Dustin Benedict (Team 5895 / 708) SEN: Bob Dudek (Team 365) WT: Lucille Wilkens (Team 365) BR: John Giardina (Team 102) MT: Cindy Hutchinson (Team 2016) |
| 2019 HH: Robert Tackett (Team 1807) MO: Patty Leicht (Team 1403) SCH: Ken Dexheimer (Team 103) SEN: Joe McCullough (Team 4575) WT: Sean Lavery (Team 1712) BR: Lauren Snyder (Team 11) MT: Edward Jacobs (Team 3637) BS: Debbie Musselman |
2020 HH: Rachel Werner (Team 1403) MO: Mark Brazina (Team 303) SCH: Jessi Brown (Team 1712) ROB: Leslie Anderson (Team 6897) BR: Patrick McGrory (Team 7587) MT: Lisa Ruggieri (Team 1676) BS: Larry Dodd (Team 1640) |
| 2022 HH: Jake Gadeleta (Team 272) BR: Tom Koehler (Team 1989) MO: Ernie DiCicco (Team 11) SCH: Carlos Reckner (Team 103) SEN: Chris Schaffer (Team 5113) MT: Owen Busler (Team 8513) BS: Dave Morris (Team 2016) |
2023 HH: John Piergallini (Team 708) MO: Adam Slack (Team 219) SCH: Eric Zygmont (Team 708) SEN: Dawn Sitchler (Team 816) MT: Lee Anne Nugent (Team 8513) BS: Joe McCullough (Team 4575) RB: David Slurz (Team 9015) WH: Don Biery (Team 11) |