Dean's List Award

FIRST describes the Dean's List as  " In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of the most outstanding secondary school students in FIRST, the Kamen family sponsors awards for selected 10th or 11th grade* students known as the FIRST Robotics Competition and the FIRST Tech Challenge FIRST Dean’s List Award."

To be nominated for the Dean's List, student should:

Theses are the requirements set by FIRST to qualify for the Dean's List award. A mentor must write and essay showing how the student meets the requirements. After the essay is submitted the student has a face-to-face interview with the event judges. The judges will then pick what students fit the requirements the best and two students become Semi-Finalists for the Dean's List.

The judges at Pine Tree named Tim, Chop Shop 166’s Co-Captain, a Semi-Finalist to the “Dean’s List.”

“Tim is an amazing leader and he truly exemplifies the FIRST core values, said Matthew Gage, Lead Mentor of Chop Shop 166. “This is the second time in three years that we have had a Dean’s List Semi Finalist come from our team and it shows how the members of our team are leaders within the team, within our community and within FIRST.”


Next up for Tim, is to once again face the judges at New England District Championship on April 3rd.

Our 2024 Dean's List nominees Tim (left) and Shane (right) after the team received the District FIRST Impact Award. 

Along with Tim, Chop Shop nominated Shane for the Dean's List Award. 

“Shane has FIRST in his blood,” said Matthew Gage, Lead Mentor of Chop Shop 166.  “He has been attending events since he was a young child and the passion that he shows now as a member of Chop Shop comes from that long legacy within the FIRST Community.”  

"I am extremely honored for the ability and the opportunity to compete for the FIRST Dean's List Award," said Shane. "I am grateful for my team's nomination and high opinion of my skills and belief in my abilities. Even though I was not chosen, I will continue to spread the message of FIRST in everything I do, and look forward to more opportunities for myself and for FIRST in and around Merrimack.

Shane and Tim have participated in multiple levels of FIRST beginning with LEGO League Explorers and have been friends for over ten years now. 


“Shane and Tim are great friends and watching them help each other prepare for their interviews shows how both our nominees exemplify Gracious Professionalism,” added Mr. Gage.