Valders High School finished first in three events and second overall at the 22nd annual Wisconsin Public Service Solar Olympics held yesterday on the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point campus. Green Bay Southwest took top team honors followed by Valders and Wausau West. The Vikings earned three gold medals by finishing first in the Solar Water Heater—Photovoltaic Innovation and Solar Photography categories. Mishicot combined with Marinette and Lakeland Union High Schools in winning the Solar Art challenge while Chilton High School was tops in the Solar Cooker category.
Approximately 200 students from 17 high schools in northeast and north central Wisconsin demonstrated their understanding and use of solar energy using it to power small machines and inspire artistic designs in 14 separate categories. The event was open to high schools that participate in Solarwise for schools, a program that provides schools with a renewable energy curriculum, educational training for teachers and maintenance of previously installed solar energy systems at no charge.
The WPS Foundation has helped thousands of students learn about solar energy both in the classroom and through the installation of solar energy systems at 56 high schools.