Texas Border Business
Brownsville, Texas – UTRGV hosted the first HESTEC GreenPowerUSA South Texas Electric Car Competition, held at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.
Thirty two teams representing middle school, high school and colleges from across South Texas competed April 6-7 in the competition, which delivered the excitement of motorsport to inspire students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) studies.
THE WINNING TEAMS
Middle School Division
- 1st place – Oliveira Middle School, Brownsville.
- 2nd place – Garcia Middle School, Brownsville.
- 3rd place – Stillman Middle School, Brownsville.
High School Division
- 1st place – Lamar Academy, McAllen.
- 2nd place – Harlingen High School.
- 3rd place – San Benito High School (Boys team).
College Division
- 1st place – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
- 2nd place – Texas A&M Kingsville.
- 3rd place – Texas A&M International University.
The competition started Friday with some test runs, and moved to the old Confederate Air Force hangar on Saturday for the medals ceremony and to show their participation in the creation of their team vehicle.
Veronica Gonzales, UTRGV vice president for Governmental and Community Relations, said UTRGV’s first Electric Car Challenge was a huge success.
“We are so proud of all the students who competed, and their teachers and professors who helped them prepare for this competition,” she said. “We are grateful for the support of our generous sponsors, partners and volunteers in helping us bring this program that engages students in STEM.”
