Sun-Powered Boat Races Conclude Seven-Month Educational Program
A team from Nogales High School that was sponsored by Rowland Water District (RWD) took honors in two races at this year’s Solar Cup competition of student-designed boats powered by the sun.
Almost 700 students from across Southern California competed in the May 13-15 event hosted by the Metropolitan Water District at Lake Skinner, near Temecula. Local water agencies and other sponsors help outfit the boats with solar panels, batteries and steering systems.
Nogales High School, in La Puente, placed 1st in the endurance race and 2nd in the 200-meter sprint race.
“Rowland Water District is proud to participate in a project that promotes water education and fosters development of future leaders,” said Tom Coleman, RWD’s General Manager. “I enjoy seeing the enthusiasm of the students, families and advisers involved in the program and am thrilled that all their hard work paid off.”
Over the course of seven months, the students from 38 high schools built their boats, practiced electrical and mechanical engineering, and learned about natural resource conservation. The Solar Cup is the largest solar-powered boat competition in the country.
To learn more about the program, visit http://www.mwdh2o.com/inthecommunity/education-programs/Pages/Solar-Cup.aspx. For more information about Rowland Water District, go to www.rwd.org.
