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 third year in a row, SGHS earned first place! In addition, three 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. 12 to compete. Congratulations to our individual students who were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads:
2nd Place: Linley Wehner (Cash prize of $300)
3rd Place: Grant Wolk (Cash prize of $150)
5th Place: Gavin Gegg (Cash prize of $100)
And congratulations to Kyrah Kreitler for receiving the “Most Aesthetic Bridge” out of more than 20 bridges entered, earning her a cash prize of $100!
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. “I’ve been here before and have an idea of what the winning bridges look like,” Mr. Rapp said. “I try to let my students design their bridges independently. It is always interesting to see what designs they come up with.”
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.