SIKESTON—After weeks of work to build the most efficient model bridges, Southeast Missouri high school students put their bridges to the test Nov. 12 at the completion of MoDOT’s 22nd Annual Bridge Building Competition. The competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials—balsa wood, thread and glue.
Ste. Genevieve High School was awarded first place. Kenny Rapp accepts the honor.
Perryville Area Career and Technology Center came in second. Chaffee High School received third place.
Additionally, students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads. Winners included:
1st – Sam Kuehn, Valle Catholic High School (Perryville Area Career and Technology Center)
2nd – Linley Wehner, Ste. Genevieve High School
3rd – Grant Wolk, Ste. Genevieve High School
4th – Chase Reed, Valle Catholic High School (Perryville Area Career and Technology Center0
5th – Gavin Gegg, Ste. Genevieve High School
Kyrah Kreitler of Ste. Genevieve High School was honored for creating the most aesthetic bridge. A student from Leopold High School, Dylan Jansen, won first place among computer-based designs. Cash prizes for all awards were donated by BFW/Marcum Engineering and Consulting, Cape Area Engineers Club, Cape Noon Optimist Club, Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and Rotary Club of Southeast Missouri Service. MoDOT also partnered with Arkansas State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia to award one-time scholarships to the top contenders at their respective schools. “I’ve been here before and have an idea of what the winning bridges look like. I try to let my students design their bridges independently. It is always interesting to see what designs they come up with,” said Kenny Rapp, Ste. Genevieve High School teacher. For more information, please contact Senior Communications Specialist Ashley Metelski at (573)380-9432 or MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636). Additional information is available at www.modot.org/bridge-competition. |
