JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 29, 2012) – More than 130 northeast Florida high school students attended the 10th Annual Engineering Career Day event and project competition, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, Friday, Feb 24. Teams represented public and private high schools in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns Counties.
The purpose of the event was to introduce local math and science-oriented students to engineering as a potential area of study in college and as a professional career. The event has become a highlight of National Engineers Week activities in north Florida.
The event offered a full day of engineering projects for future engineers. Students competed to design, construct and test a windmill, which was judged by senior engineering professionals from academic, private and public sectors. Awards were presented by Col. Al Pantano, commander of Jacksonville District and Capt. John Heinzel, president of the Jacksonville Post, Society of Military Engineers. Guest speakers discussed current initiatives by the Department of Defense in wind energy production.
Five participating universities, 20 architecture and engineering firms, Naval Facilities Engineering Command and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professionals met with students to discuss engineering education and careers.
The team that scores highest in the overall competition is presented with the James L. Garland Award. This year’s winners are:
First Place: Fernandina Beach High School, Team #1 – Students: Bradley Bean, Nathan Cutajar, Ryan Muir and Trey Burch. Faculty advisors: Dana Kahlbaum and Marcia Cline.
Second Place: Yulee High School, Team #3 – Students: Chonnelle Brown, McKenzie Landrum, Savannah Shelton and Rebecca Wright. Faculty advisors: April Brooks and Melissa Meyer.
Third Place: Bishop Kenny High School, Team #1 – Students: Peter House, Zach McNulty, Michael Barr and Diab Abdulnour. Faculty advisors: Vicki Schmitt and Paulette Gonzalez.
Fourth Place: Trinity Christian Academy – Students: Brent Miles, Bin Jung, Rachaul Keller and Jordan Kennedy. Faculty advisor: Jim Aenis.