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- Ready for District
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- LFHS Cross Country
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- Valley Native Bringing Advanced Oncology Services To UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center
- Los Fresnos Annual Cook-Off Is Right Around The Corner
- Los Fresnos Falcons Hold Meet and Greet for the Community
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LFHS Forms Inaugural Solar Racing Team
- Updated: October 17, 2014
by Audrey Urbis/Los Fresnos High School
The Solar Racing Team has made a spectacular entrance as a new, trailblazing organization on the Los Fresnos High School campus. The club officially began last March under the direction of teacher Dr. David Rivera and has since witnessed unprecedented student enthusiasm and administrative support.
As delineated in its title, the members of the SRT are endeavoring to create a “full-sized, solar-powered, race-worthy car.”
Vice President Juan Jose Cuellar is eager to engage in this challenge.“We’re beginning to develop a conceptual understanding of these cars by building R/C parts, testing solar panels outdoors, and researching the mechanics of such a vehicle.”
Pictured above are (kneeling, left to right) Jocelyn Sosa, Dominque Martinez, Alejandra Manzanares, Alyssa Lozano, Emma Rapavi, (standing) Sponsor Dr. David Rivera, Matthew Randolph, Matthew Leal, Mike Cargill (President), Sergio Montoya and Jose Sanchez.
A solar-powered golf cart will serve as their initial prototype. Entirely unparalleled in its mission, the SRT will ultimately foster the interests of the students in the STEM fields.
“The students will learn about the trial and error process, a fundamental component of engineering research,” Rivera said. “The fact is that in the end we will build something that is tangible and can be driven. It’s such an incredible way to apply the principles learned in physics and other classes to the design and construction of a practical product.”
Los Fresnos High School will be one of two campuses in the Rio Grande Valley to have such a club. “Because of the inherent engineering challenges and the level of difficulty, no high school in the Rio Grande Valley has ever completed the challenge and we’d like to change that,” Rivera said.
With a sponsor who has a Ph.D. in Engineering from Cornell University, members of the SRT are confident in his expertise and grateful for their accessibility to such a knowledgeable resource.
Senior member Alyssa Lozano said, “It’s so amazing to have the opportunity to work alongside and interact with such an accomplished teacher.”
Seeking to pursue a career in civil engineering, Cuellar recognizes engaging in such a novel project will provide him with invaluable experience to distinguish himself among other students.
“This is the first club on campus of its kind,” Cuellar said. “The final car will be created in an estimated 2-3 years.”