Volunteer Spotlight: Clark and Peggy McChesney

This couple is known far and wide across our FIRST® in Texas community. When you hear one name, you know the next. For over a decade, they have inspired the next generation while sharing the joy of volunteering side by side. Clark and Peggy McChesney are volunteers who have supported FIRST in Texas in more ways than can be counted, leaving a lasting impact on students, teams, and fellow volunteers across the state. Their dedication has been recognized beyond Texas as well, with Peggy and Clark named the 2023–2024 FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteers of the Year, an honor that reflects years of consistent service, leadership, and impact. 

Peggy’s FIRST journey began in January 2012 when she stepped into the role of FTC team coach during the Bowled Over season. That same year, Clark officially joined after Peggy was “anointed” head coach by her principal and brought the robot home. From 2012 through the spring of 2018, the two coached and mentored the Incarnate Word “Shambots,” supporting two all-girls teams and helping create a welcoming space for students to grow their confidence and technical skills. Over the years, Peggy and Clark have worn nearly every volunteer hat imaginable, with Peggy most often serving as Head Referee and Clark as FIRST Technical Advisor.

Before FIRST in Texas was formed, both Peggy and Clark volunteered with Alamo FIRST at regional-level events, including the very first FTC Super-Regional. Their involvement continued as FIRST in Texas grew, volunteering at regional championships, UIL events, BUC Days, the Texas Cup, and Cowtown. One of their favorite parts of volunteering is interacting with students and building lasting friendships with fellow volunteers along the way.

Volunteering together as a couple has been especially meaningful for Peggy and Clark. While they bring different skill sets to the table, FTC is something they can do side by side. Sharing the experience has strengthened their connection to each other and to the students they serve.

Among their many memorable moments, one stands out above the rest. In 2016, both of their teams advanced to the FIRST Championship through the lottery system. One of those teams went on to win the Connect Award, making the experience even more special.

At the heart of their work is a hope that students remember them as positive role models who supported both individual growth and teamwork throughout the FTC journey. Their influence extends beyond their own teams, touching countless students they have encountered across events.

One surprising piece of their story is that their oldest son, a former Air Force lieutenant, was an FRC mentor himself and encouraged Peggy to start a team at her all-girls school. That family connection to FIRST has only deepened their belief in the program’s long-term impact.

For new volunteers, Peggy and Clark’s advice is simple and inviting. Come out and join the party! Sit with someone new at breakfast or lunch, be open to new ideas, and enjoy getting to know the students who will one day support your social security. They also point back to one of Dean Kamen’s favorite reminders: this is the only sport where everyone has the opportunity to go pro.

Over the years, they have watched FIRST in Texas evolve from separate regions into a unified statewide organization. That growth has opened doors to volunteer across Texas and, most rewarding of all, has brought more FIRST alumni back into the program as leaders. For Peggy and Clark, it is a powerful reminder that FIRST is not just a program. It is a community that continues to grow, give back, and inspire!