Solar Cup Team Propels Laguna Beach to Runner-Up Finish

The Laguna Beach High School Solar Cup Team recently took second place in its division and 18^th place overall at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s 10^th Annual Solar Cup.

The three-day event was held at Lake Skinner in Temecula Valley, May 25-27, and attracted students from 39 high schools throughout Southern California.

Students built, equipped and raced 16-foot, single-seat canoes powered only by the sun. Teams competed in a series of qualifying events and endurance races before competing in the final sprint race.

The LBHS team took second place in the rookie division for solar endurance and first place in the rookie division for their public service announcement (PSA), leading to its second-place division finish.

The Solar Cup Team students are members of Laguna Beach's Solar Club, which was founded three years ago under the direction of high school teacher Steve Sogo to help maintain the solar panels on the roof of the school’s science wing. About 20 students from all grade levels participate in the club, and 10 have been working on the Solar Cup project.

The Laguna Beach County Water District sponsored the LBHS team.

"The District is proud to support a group of students that strive to be stewards of our natural resources and advocates for a healthy planet,” said LBCWD general manager Renae Hinchey.

Solar Cup faculty advisor and physics teacher Jennifer Merritt expressed her appreciation for the water district’s support.

“The team has been meeting at the Laguna Beach County Water District almost every weekend since February,” Merritt said. The kids are excited and that is what makes the whole learning process fun!”