Winners from Arizona, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington

MANCHESTER, N.H. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — April 26, 2014 — FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor  Dean Kamen, announced 10 student recipients of the Dean’s List Award during a ceremony at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Mo.

The Dean’s List Award recipients – all FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC^®) students nominated by their team Mentors – were chosen based on their leadership skills, commitment to FIRST ideals, contributions to their team, and their effectiveness in increasing awareness of FIRST within their schools and communities.

“You are all superstars who have helped lead your teams to greatness,” said FIRST Founder, Dean Kamen. “You exhibit extraordinary energy and passion for FIRST, and will continue to do so. You will all become great engineers and technology leaders.”

Since its introduction in 2010, the Kamen family has sponsored the Dean’s List Award with the hopes that the award winners will continue on as great leaders of the FIRST Alumni community, and as advocates for the FIRST experience.

“Everyone in this auditorium inspires me,” said will.i.am, entertainer and technologist. “You guys make tomorrow possible. My hat is off to you.” will.i.am helped to launch a FIRST team in his hometown of Boyle Heights, Calif.

The 2014 Dean’s List Award Winners included: