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Inspiration All Star

Nate Raynor

About

Nate Raynor teaches multiple REC Foundation Programs at the Mescalero Apache School, a tribally controlled school in Mescalero, New Mexico. He states that “VEX IQ gives Middle School students the opportunity to look into the digital world.” Mr. Raynor is an outstanding mentor to students across the Mescalero Apache reservation, who often recall the inspiration they received from learning robotics and science in Mr. Raynor’s classroom. Additionally, Nate has worked with members of the community to expand the Aerial Drones and Robotics programs to other high schools in the area. 

The Inspiration All Star Award is given to a teacher or mentor who promotes STEM through REC Foundation Programs, demonstrates a passion for robotics, helps students achieve their goals, and gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge on their own terms, which is the definition of Nate Raynor. Mr. Raynor has put Mescalero Apache School on the map for academics. He is both a teacher and a mentor. He is devoted to teaching students about STEM at an early age till they graduate. Students learn the values of hard work, passion, persistence, and integrity from Mr. Raynor. Mr. Raynor is one of the best leaders, mentors, and teachers anyone could ask for, and for that reason he is a 2023 Inspiration All-Star.

Award: Inspiration All Star
Year: 2023
Title: STEM Educator
Organization: Mescalero Apache School
Location: Las Crucés, New Mexico

2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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