Bio-diesel project takes 1st place for Appleton East students

From an article by Kathy Walsh Nufer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON —Appleton East High School students are already reaping the rewards of a bio-diesel hybrid project they began last winter with a $10,000 grant from State Farm and an environmentally friendly idea.

Peter Worley, automotive instructor, recently accompanied students Omar Martinez and Heather Ruhl to Kansas City, Mo. where they presented their project — a high-mileage truck that is powered by electricity and bio-diesel fuel — as part of a State Farm Insurance showcase at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

A team of more than 10 judges was so impressed the project took first place in a competition with 11 other schools from around the country that had also been recipients of State Farm grants aimed at stimulating student environmental awareness and commitment to bettering their communities.

"That award gives us another $3,000 for our project, which is huge," Worley said, adding that this is special because East was the first national winner ever in State Farm's Innovation in Sustainability contest. "Heather and Omar did a fantastic job."

Worley is certain widespread participation in the project, from the local employers that donated time, equipment and money, to the varied contributions of East students in screen printing, photography, Web design, electronics, welding, machining, manufacturing, chemistry and biology, put the East project over the top.