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Spotlight on Teams

FIRST LEGO League Team Presents Findings to White House Staff Member

Photo contributed by FLL Team 124

When FIRST teams talk, the White House listens. Such was the case when Pennsylvania-based FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Team 124 “Minds in Gear Today for Tomorrow”(MGTFT) met with President Barack Obama’s special assistant for energy and climate.

The spread of West Nile virus due to climate change was the topic of the team’s presentation to special assistant Carol Browner. As part of the April 3 presentation, the team shared a copy of the flyer they developed that explained how individuals can protect themselves against the virus, as well as a short skit, and a review of their research on the subject. The flyer will be distributed to area residents by Valley Township, Pennsylvania and posted on its website.

“I was impressed with the team’s knowledge of the issues and by FIRST’s program to encourage young people to get hands-on experience in science and technology,” said Browner.

The all-girl team also provided a demonstration of their robot and spoke about the learning opportunities gained through FIRST competitions. Thanks to their hard work, MGTFT was the Champion's Award 1st Place winner at the 2008 First State FIRST LEGO League Championship Tournament. The team is sponsored by offshore wind developer, Bluewater Wind, and environmental consultant firm, McCabe & Associates.