WFA for 2012 - Tiffany Swalm

Every FIRST team has been through the hustle and bustle of build season. In six fast weeks, teams must scramble to plan, to execute, and to perfect. Amidst all the meetings, debates, and lost sleep, FIRST Team 1912 functions as efficiently as ever, supported by the consistent hard work of our amazing mentors. Whether connecting us to outreach opportunities or managing internal affairs, there is always one person behind the scenes whom we can all depend on: Ms. Tiffany Swalm.

Ms. Swalm joined Team 1912 as sole Teacher Sponsor in 2010, and has been our anchoring rock ever since. With a genuine compassion and love for seeing students succeed, Ms. Swalm dedicates an enormous chunk of her already busy life to FIRST and Team 1912. Both in the classroom and online, she teaches Latin I- III, English I-IV, Sociology, Psychology, and world and US history, while at home she is a single mother of 4 young children. Somehow in the middle of all her responsibilities, Ms. Swalm attends four-times-a-week build sessions, tracks a massive dynamic budget, and contacts outreach and media outlets to expand our team's FIRST influence.

As diligent and dedicated as Ms. Swalm is, she never complains. While her behind-the-scenes service has earned us all T-shirts and new hoodies this year, Ms. Swalm's leadership in the school board has led to us sponsorship and opportunities. As our FIRST ambassador to principals and superintendents alike, Ms. Swalm promotes FIRST robotics on Freshman Orientation, Club Day, and Jumpstart. This year, Ms. Swalm championed her students by earning varsity lettering status for the sport of FIRST Robotics. At Northshore High School, Ms. Swalm's tireless efforts have elevated science and technology to the excitement level of other sports. She arranged for us to speak at a school board awards ceremony, and even to hold Jumpstart in the school cafeteria on the day of a major dance. For 1912 students, she writes internship and college recommendations, launching them into bright STEM careers as a scholarship contact. Ms. Swalm is sought out for her first-aid expertise, financial savviness, and best of all, her planning of the team's meals. In essence, Ms. Tiffany Swalm is 1912's Mom.

From presiding at officers' meetings to meticulously updating team public relations, finances, and well-being, Ms. Swalm brings an ever-sunny smile to the hustle and bustle of the year-round 1912 FIRST season. Always graciously professional, supportive, and positive, Ms. Swalm is never too busy to shoulder another responsibility for the advancement of science and technology education and achievement. With a hungry, bustling family of over forty students and mentors to take care of, Ms. Tiffany Swalm is the epitome of the perfect Woodie Flowers winner.