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Woodie Flowers (2006-2007)
Mark Ridgeway
Other than the shelves and racks organized for robot construction, shop mentor Mr. Mark Ridgeway is building confidence in young students at Osbourn High School, whose robotics team is currently in its second year.
Last season, Mr. Ridgeway, a manager at a Nextel and Sprint Company, volunteered to help out in any possible way. Little did he realize he would rarely be allowed to leave the wood shop. As an expert in shop safety, Mr. Ridgeway begins the season with a hands on safety session for new and returning students. He carefully outlines the procedures for each piece of equipment emphasizing every safety concern.
Constantly laboring in the shop during the hours in which the team meets, Ridgeway"s enthusiasm does not remain on school grounds. "He talks about it during dinner, and over spring vacation, he told all of the out-of-town family members about the past competition in
During a crisis or an imminent meltdown, Ridgeway gets through the situation by staying calm and collected, which influences the way his own daughter perceives him. "I think he realizes it is a learning experience, and he is not looking for the best people, but people who will learn the most," said Katie.
Team members have fought the way towards finishing the robot courtesy of Ridgeway's demeanor. "He knows how to help people and teach things they do not know. I have never seen him throw an outburst," said senior Christina Veney, Electrical Department member. One evening we were floundering about the design of the manipulator. Mr. Ridgeway took a lead role in encouraging the students to think beyond the obvious. This resulted in the present design.
Ridgeway's expertise is called upon when questions occur about the size and precision of robot parts. He is essential to the training of students in the cutting of metal parts and the piecing together of components. Our team is able to do most of the construction on site thanks to the supervision of our "shop guy". "We probably could not survive without him, because if we do not know how to use the shop, then we can not do anything. He's the life of the sea," said senior Valeriy Vislobokov, Project Manager.
When direct contributions to the robot and field items are not needed, Mr. Ridgeway manages to find other projects to keep him busy. We were in need of shelves for our new storage area. It was suggested that boards and cinderblocks would suffice; Mr. Ridgeway looked horrified but, in a matter of days, built a wonderful bookcase worthy of most families' homes.
Ridgeway truly cares about the students' ability to learn. He emphasizes the importance of working as a team, but on the same token, wants people to enjoy the experience. In the neighborhood, he is constantly exposing his friends to engineering and opportunities the field holds in the future. Whatever kindling fire lies inside of Ridgeway, he is eager to share his vast knowledge with anyone. "Mr. Ridgeway keeps us safe. He'ss good at teaching us how to use the equipment and changing bits," said junior Maria Jividen, Mechanical Department member.
Ridgeway will be ready to inspire the future generations. "Whether it is in 
the shop, working on the robot, or simply meeting him for the first time, people who meet Mr. Mark Ridgeway will leave the conversation as better human beings. He brings smiles to people's faces and lightens the mood," said robotics alumnus and mentor Aladdin Hafeez. "He is like the father of robotics."
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