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EDUCATION When you ask a junior in high school what they want to do when they grow up, odds are they are undecided. That may be true for many high school students, but not for Hewitt-Trussville junior Kaitilin Silverwood. "I have always been interested in engineering as a career," Silverwood said. "But being a part of the Engineering Academy makes me want to be an engineer that much more." Silverwood has the opportunity to work on projects and with tools she will use daily as an engineer. One of the main projects Silverwood and fellow students worked on is an electric-powered vehicle to compete in Electrathon Alabama, sponsored each year by Alabama Power. "Building an electric vehicle is such a great experience because you are able to test it throughout the year while you are working on it," Silverwood said. "And then you see all of your hard work pay off at competitions like the Electrathon." Silverwood's all-female team was one of 19 teams competing in the fourth annual Electrathon Alabama on April 6 at Barber Motorsports Park. Students from 13 schools in Alabama and Georgia made up the largest number of participants yet in the competition of two hourlong races on a closed course. The winning teams were selected based on how many times their vehicles made it around the track. Only high school teams competed in the first race, while the second race showcased college and professional teams. "We were excited to be in second place going into the final race because what the other drivers and teams did in the first race was impressive," said Silverwood, who drove in the second race. "But going into the second race, we knew we needed to focus on the endurance of the car and battery to last the whole race." Hewitt-Trussville Engineering Academy's hard work paid off as both teams placed in the top three, with the girls taking top honors. "Both of the Hewitt-Trussville teams actually tied for third place in last year's race," said Market Specialist Robin White. "It was great to see them come back this year and use what they learned from last year to win." White was one of the catalysts for Electrathon Alabama and believes the program has value for high school students, including teaching the benefits of clean, efficient electric transportation. "This program provides students the opportunity to work on a team and learn valuable skills for a career they can depend on in the future," White said. White said whether it is welding for a technical job or working with tools they will use every day as an engineer, students are better prepared for a career after they participate in Electrathon. For the past four years, White has worked with Thompson High School engineering teacher and Skilled Knowledge Youth (SKY) founder Brian Copes. Like White, Copes believes in teaching students skills they can capitalize on in the future. "There is a growing need for a high- tech workforce," Copes said. "Our goal through the Electrathon is to equip our students with what they need to create that … If we continue to teach our kids how to think creatively, it will spur our state's place in the global workforce." Copes hopes to provide every school in the state electric car kits through the nonprofit SKY. Alabama Power, Zoom Motorsports, SKY and Barber Motorsports Park sponsored the 2015 Electrathon. "Alabama Power supports Electrathon because it is an investment in the future of our state," said Alabama Power Vice President of Public Relations and Charitable Giving John Hudson. "Growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is key to building a workforce to compete for new industry and improve quality of life for us all." Because of its potential impact, STEM is one of the three focus areas for Alabama Power's Brighter Minds initiative, along with strengthening early childhood learning and conservation education. "Right now at Thompson, we're in the situation where more students are requesting to get into the programs than slots we have available," Copes said. "And you know what? That's a good problem to have." By Katie Kilcoyne 5 Electra Ladyland F E M A L E T E A M W I N S F O U R T H A N N U A L E L E C T R I C C A R R A C E Nineteen teams competed at Barber Motorsports Park. Students from 13 schools built and raced cars. Photo by Karim Shansi-Basha