Shawn Franks is an indispensable member of 4125. His contributions go far beyond technical expertise; he plays a critical role guiding every student, whether they face technical issues or personal obstacles. He is quick to step in, offering support and advice in a calm and encouraging way. What truly stands out about Mr. Franks is his humility - he doesn’t seek the spotlight or recognition for his hard work. He is the quiet force behind the scenes, working tirelessly without drawing attention to himself.
Brier, a senior, said “Mr. Franks has always been very positive even in the worst situations. We could have cut a part wrong multiple times, and when we finally got it correct he would smile and say “First try”. He's always been a positive spirit even when he feels in the dumps.”
Despite his quiet nature, the impact of his presence is felt deeply by every member of our team. He volunteers countless hours to the team and the FIRST community as a whole. He stays late in the shop to troubleshoot or offer guidance on how to improve our designs, Mr. Franks is always there with patience and unwavering dedication to students. His work often goes uncelebrated, but it is clear that he is part of the backbone of our team, helping us push forward even when things seem difficult. He deserves every bit of recognition, even though he would never ask for it.
Mr. Franks also serves as a Robot Inspector at FTC competitions. He enjoys introducing younger students to robotics and showing them how fulfilling it can be to participate in such a collaborative and innovative environment in FIRST. His hope is that these students will continue their journey into high school and become involved in FRC, just as he has done.
Xzavier, a freshman, said “Mr. Franks has really impacted me with the basics in everything I do and how to make it my own whether it is tips for the future or for the robotics season. This season he has shown me patience throughout the whole process, even when it gets ugly or hard”
What truly sets Mr. Franks apart is his ability to inspire. Throughout the design, prototyping, and building process, he encourages us to tackle challenges head-on; think creatively; and to never give up. His perseverance and positive attitude inspire us to maintain focus and keep pushing, even when it gets tough. Mr. Franks embodies the values of teamwork, attention to detail, and hard work, all while communicating with us in a way that is both clear and supportive. His influence extends far beyond technical skills—he mentors us with integrity, instilling a sense of responsibility, dedication, and resilience that will last long after we graduate. Mr. Frank's dedication to the values of FIRST, his unwavering support, and his quiet but powerful influence make him more than deserving of recognition for the Woodie Flowers Award. Even if he doesn’t see it himself, we know that his contributions have made an immeasurable impact on each one of us from our FIRST introduction to him.
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