MONTGOMERY, Alabama (February 22, 2012) – After three months of late nights and intensive work, the Alabama Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) ended today with the announcement of the statewide winning team, Fort Payne High School in Dekalb County. The school was chosen by a panel of expert judges who made their decision after viewing final reports submitted by seven teams. Second place went to Team Aviation Challenge from The US Space and Rocket Center and third place went to North Jackson High School in Stevenson, AL. Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey made remarks during the presentation and gave a ringing endorsement of the RWDC program.
“All of the teams stepped up to the challenge this year and proved that Alabama’s schools are not to be underestimated. Each design submitted was magnificent and I enjoyed viewing them. These students have far exceeded our expectations for this challenge, and I look forward to cheering Fort Payne on in the National Competition in Washington, DC!” stated Lt. Governor Kay Ivey. “This is just the beginning of Alabama’s Real World Design Challenge, a real-world educational program I am confident will grow each year.”
The Real World Design Challenge is an aerospace and engineering design competition that empowers high school students with real world experiences that are required for success in real jobs and careers in the 21st century. The Challenge began in 2008 but this is the first year that Alabama has participated.
This year’s engineering challenge was to design within the provided engineering software an efficient, low-carbon-emission and environmentally friendly personal light sport aircraft. The aircraft had to accommodate two team members and fly 200 miles in less than two hours at a cruise altitude of 1000 feet above ground level (AGL) minimum. It is said to be one of the most difficult challenges to date.
Eight schools submitted final designs for judging: Fort Payne High School- Fort Payne; Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School – Montgomery; Virgil I. Grissom High School – Huntsville; Aviation Challenge, from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center – Huntsville; Booker T. Washington High School-Tuskegee; Bob Jones High School – Madison; North Jackson High School- Stevenson; and Austin High School – Decatur.
Every participating school is able to keep the $1 million in professional engineering software that they received at no charge and are encouraged to participate again next year. Fort Payne High School will now move on to represent Alabama in the National Competition in Washington D.C. from April 20-23.
Contact: Allison Scott allison.scott@ltgov.alabama.(334) 242-7900
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