KILL DEVIL HILLS, Nc. (WAVY) – Students from First Flight Middle School and First Flight High School displayed their knowledge of engineering and renewable energy by earning top honors at the North Carolina Renewable Energy Challenge held at the Coastal Studies Institute in Wanchese.
The NC Renewable Energy Challenge is a competition where students compete to build and design the most efficient alternative energy device. First Flight students secured the top placements in their respective divisions.
Water Turbine Contest – High School Division
- 1st place: Alex Sharp (First Flight High)
- 2nd place: Autumn Sailor, Aidan Tabolt, and Harry Lipchak (First Flight High team)
Wind Turbine Contest – 4th-8th Grade Division
- 1st place: Adriana Daniels, Enzo Piacenza, Diego Reyes-Avila, and Heidi Wisecarver (First Flight Middle team)
Wind Turbine Contest – High School Division
- 1st place: Autumn Sailor, Aidan Tabolt, and Harry Lipchak (First Flight High team)
In addition to the wind and water turbine contests, students participated in four mini-challenges and interviews for extra points. First Flight student competitors earned a total of $900 in prize money and are invited to represent the state at the 2025 KidWind Challenge Worlds in Phoenix, Arizona in May.
“These students have put in an incredible amount of effort, and their results speak for themselves,” said Dr. Duke Wallin, First Flight High School’s career development coordinator (CTE) and co-coach. “Winning at both the middle and high school levels reflects the strength of our STEM and Career & Technical Education programs here in Dare County, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”