Students step into the spotlight with solar skills at 29th annual Solar Olympics

Area high school students showed off impressive solar energy smarts and skills to earn their way onto the podium at Wisconsin Public Service’s (WPS) 29th annual Solar Olympics. The event gave nearly 200 students from 14 area high schools a moment in the sun May 7 at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Oshkosh.

Northeast and north central Wisconsin students tested their solar energy knowledge against each other in 13 events. Each event challenged students to use science, technology, engineering, art or math (STEAM) skills to create solar-powered devices or items inspired by solar energy.

In true Olympic tradition, the top three finishers in each event received gold, silver and bronze medals.

Several students set up solar-powered projects on a large grass lawn.

High school students listen to a speech during the WPS Solar Olympics opening ceremony.

Mishicot HS students discuss a solar cooker with WPS judges.

A hot dog on a skewer inside a small box lined with reflective foil covered by a glass lid.

A solar-powered race car begins moving down a short track as students and judges look on.

High school students display a solar-themed painting on a sunny day.

Gold, silver and bronze medals lying in a row on a table.

Valders High School students take a team picture at the WPS Solar Olympics.

Event winners

Solar Advertising Campaign: Ashwaubenon High School
Solar Art Challenge: Marinette High School
Solar Building Design: Wausau West High School
Solar Car Design: Marinette High School
Solar Car Race: Ashwaubenon High School
Solar Cooker: Wausau West High School
Solar Essay: Valders High School
Solar Jeopardy (Individual Event): Norianna Burton, Valders High School
Solar Jeopardy (Team Final): Northland Lutheran High School
Solar Photography: Valders High School
Solar Sculpture: West De Pere High School
Solar T-Shirt Design: Elcho High School
Solar Water Heater: Northland Lutheran High School

In the team competition, Valders High School finished in first place, while Northland Lutheran High School and Marinette High School ended the event in second and third place, respectively.

Solar Olympics supports student learning

Solar Olympics gives high school students a hands-on opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned about solar energy throughout the school year. WPS offers the event to schools that participate in its SolarWise for Schools program.

WPS has helped thousands of students learn about solar power and renewable energy since it started the SolarWise for Schools program in 1997. The program is part of the company’s commitment to a bright, sustainable future for the customers and communities it serves.

In addition to helping students learn about renewable energy, WPS powers homes and businesses throughout the year with electricity produced by Wisconsin’s largest solar parks.

Participating schools

Ashwaubenon High School
Elcho High School
Green Bay West High School
Kiel High School
Marathon High School
Marinette High School
Mishicot High School
Northland Lutheran High School
Pembine High School
St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
Three Lakes High School
Valders High School
Wausau West High School
West De Pere High School