Over 60 teams apply STEM principles to competition hosted by Platte River Power Authority
FORT COLLINS, Colo., – Platte River Power Authority’s (Platte River) 7th annual NoCo Time Trials crossed the finish line May 2 with approximately 450 guests in attendance. Several teams from middle schools across Colorado were crowned as solar and battery car race champions.
“We’re incredibly proud of the students who dedicated so much time and effort to prepare for the NoCo Time Trials,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO of Platte River. “It’s exciting to see the next generation of energy leaders working hands-on with the same technologies Platte River is using to advance the clean energy transition.”
Over 60 teams and a total of 12 middle schools participated this year seeking to be named the fastest and best designed solar and battery-powered car. The winners were:
- Fastest solar car: team – Shark Bite (High Plains Middle School)
- Fastest battery car: team – Screw-ups (High Plains Middle School)
- Best solar car design: team – The Sheriffs (High Plains Middle School)
- Best battery car design: team – Flying Truck (High Plains Middle School)
- School spirit award: Altona Middle School
The school that receives the NoCo Time Trials School Spirit Award exemplifies teamwork, grit, innovation and camaraderie for all participants.
Additionally, students participated in a competitive essay contest and two winners were selected. Finn Lemann from Compass Community Collaborative School and Braden Anderson from The Manning School will each be awarded a $1,500 stipend that will be released when they graduate and commit to pursuing higher education in a STEM-related field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
“The utility industry is in the midst of major change, and solving the challenges ahead will depend on the next generation of energy leaders,” shared Frisbie. “Our goal is that the experience gained through this competition and scholarship program encourages these bright minds to one day bring their talents to the industry or even to Platte River.”