STE. GENEVIEVE — Each year, a team of Ste. Genevieve High School students led by SGHS industrial technology teacher Kenny Rapp compete in the annual MoDOT Bridge Competition. This year, we are excited to share that for the second year in a row, SGHS earned first place for best overall performance out of more than two dozen schools! In addition, four SGHS students placed at the event, and one student earned the “Most Aesthetic Bridge” designation!
After our students spent weeks figuring out how to build their version of an efficient model bridge, they headed to Southeast Missouri State University’s Academic Hall on Nov. 21 to compete.
Four individual students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads:
- 5th Place: Sophia Huck
- 6th Place: Drake Weibrecht
- 7th Place: Joleigh Parker
- 10th Place: Linley Wehner
And congratulations to Ian Cairns for receiving the “Most Aesthetic Bridge Award”out of more than 300 bridges!
The MoDOT Bridge Building Competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials—balsa wood, thread and glue. The lightest bridges that carry the greatest loads are ultimately named the winners.
MoDOT also partnered with Arkansas State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.
Representatives from Cape Girardeau Safe Communities were on hand to educate students on safe driving with the Fatal Vision goggles.