These people listed below are Team 2404's main mentors. They have been helping since our rookie year. Our team has made the NEY Center a second home and we have all become a part of a large family, not just people that work together.
John Smith
John Smith, "also known as dad" is the directior and founder of NEY (Neighbors Empowering Youth). He is one of the main mentors of Team 2404. He is very much a father figure to the team members. John has helped many youth with learning how to be a better dedicated person. He has also helped us understand what being part of a FIRST team feels like. He makes it fun and worth while for the teens to stay on the team. But even with all the fun, we learn at the same time how to work together with one another. He has devoted a great deal of time and a lot of money to our team. John has really helped us out, and he has helped Team 2404 members find jobs.
Renee Bennett
Renee Bennett "also know as Momma or Team Mom" is one of our many adults that has been a great influence and inspriation to our team. She has helped all of us find our spot in robotics, and is always looking out for us as a team and has our best interests in mind. She has always reminded us that "Gracious proffesionalism" comes first and that we must work hard if we want to succeed. We are all very grateful to have her as one of our mentors.
Gerry O'Rourke
Gerry O'rourke is our engineering mentor. He has been the one that has taught us how to build the robot. He has volunteered a great deal of his time in order so that we have the robot complete and ready in time for competition. Gerry helps students learn how to be careful when they are using machinery . He also teaches the students how to measure metals and how to work on the machines in the machine shop. He makes sure that the students stay safe and not get injured. He allows us to have fun while we are learning but is a stern taskmaster. He expects great things from us and we do our best to live up to his expectations. He is generous with praise and quick to give it when we do something right.
