Saturday began cloudy as 90 teams from 14 area middle schools gathered at the fifth annual NoCo Time Trials sponsored by Platte River Power Authority.
“May the Fourth be with you,” said Javier Camacho, director of public and external affairs for PRPA, as the racers in the first battery-powered heat lined their cars up on the starting line.
The fifth annual event was held on May 4 and PRPA could not resist adopting a Star Wars theme.
PRPA looked to the future to see that many of its engineers would retire in the coming decade. In 2019, the utility decided it was time to inspire a new generation to adopt careers in the utility industry.
PRPA was inspired by a state qualifying race that encouraged middle school-aged students to build battery- and solar-powered cars — similar to pinewood derby cars — and race them against one another.
Kits for the competition were sent out earlier this year, giving students time to design a car that would cross the finish line. Students had to consider how to optimize the power and troubleshoot for unpredictable situations such as a cloudy day.
The battery-powered car race started the morning. Teams competed in two heats and recorded their best time. The fastest battery-powered car was created by team Courgar from Walt Clark Middle School. Students were also able to enter into a design competition which went to team My Little Pony from Compass Community Collaborative School.
By lunch, the clouds had rolled away bringing some much-needed relief to students preparing for the solar-powered race. These students had spent most of the morning testing their non-solar energy solutions but were able to quickly pivot back to their original plans.
Students from Altona Middle School in Longmont chose to enter into the solar-powered event only. Being new to this event, the students quickly learned how to adapt their cars to the rubber track at the provided car repair center.
Although no students from Altona placed in the event, they had a good time learning about solar energy and meeting teams from other schools, some students said.
The fastest car in the solar-powered division was won by Fast Truck from High Plains School. The best design in this category was the car created by The Alphas from Community Collaborative School.
Employees from PRPA volunteered their time as judges and helpers at the event. They had an additional job to observe how the teams interacted and to name a school that showed the best school spirit. That award went to High Plains School.
“High Plains School has been a participant in this competition since the event’s inaugural year in 2019. From cheering on their peers to supporting other schools competing and staying positive throughout the day’s event, High Plains exemplified the meaning of this award,” Camacho said.
The day was full of excitement for all who participated. Jason Frisbe, CEO and general manager for PRPA hoped the event would inspire the young students to enter into a STEM field and even return to PRPA for a job one day.
“The utility industry is in the middle of a transformation that will require the next generation of energy leaders to solve complex challenges,” Frisbie said. “We hope the learning opportunity from this competition and the scholarships encourage bright minds to pursue an education and career in the electric and energy industry. In fact, I hope they come to work for Platte River one day and serve our communities as we have over the last half century.”
PRPA handed out two scholarships for $1,500 each to students who expressed and interest in going into a STEM field. Lily Atrash of High Plains School and Aliza Bauer of Riverview PK-8 received the funds. The scholarships will be issued to the recipients once they graduate high school and show they have committed to a STEM field of study.
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