SCHS Students Racing to Learn

On Wednesday, March 13, Stephens County High School (SCHS) competed in the Georgia Technology Student Association (TSA) Electrathon at Lanier Raceway in Braselton. 

Thirty-two high school teams from across the state competed to see who could complete the most laps on a single battery charge in two, hour-long races. SCHS entered two electric race cars, driven by students Luke Duncan and Gavin Wilt, and successfully crossed the finish line, completing the race and its combined one-hundred-and-ten-laps. 

SCHS Automotive Instructor Brian Thomason said “Both of our cars performed admirably. This race focuses more on endurance than speed. Both cars finished the race with fewer than ten cars running on the track, displaying the exceptional craftsmanship and engineering prowess of our students.”

In its second year, the Electrathon program at Stephens County High School encourages hands-on learning while combining the knowledge and skills taught in the automotive, welding, and robotics classes. 

SCHS Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education, or CTAE, Director Rod Pipkin said, “The coordination and execution of this project were possible through the collaboration of at least three CTAE classes. Jeff Lovegrove’s robotics class has provided invaluable assistance in design conceptualization and presentation skills. Brian Thomason’s automotive class has been instrumental in assembling the cars and integrating all electric components, and Chris Holland’s welding class contributed significantly to the fabrication of frames and brackets, essential structural elements of the vehicles. It has truly been a team effort and it is great to see these students and instructors working together on this project. Students are also applying the innovation and practical skills they are learning in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Thomason explained that the team successfully built not just one, but two race cars from scratch, each powered by a 24-volt system featuring an electric motor and programmable controller. He said that students meticulously crafted and designed the cars and were responsible for conceptualizing and fabricating various components, including steering mechanisms, electrical systems, and wiring configurations.

Thomason expressed gratitude for support for the program from local manufacturers ASI Southeast and Patterson Pump, as well as faculty members, students, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Electrathon program.

Stephens County High School’s race car team will compete in the “Race on the Mountain” at Rabun County Middle School on Saturday, April 13, followed by the “May Mayhem” at Franklin County Middle School on Saturday, May 4. Drivers will start their engines around noon.