Elsinore HS Students Create A Boat Load Of Fun During Solar Cup

This weekend the campground at Lake Skinner was full of competitive high school students as the venue played host to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s 9th annual Solar Cup Competition.

was one of 40 Southern California high schools that were asked to compete in the annual boat race. Although they didn't win any big prizes over the weekend, the Tigers' team of 22 students from the school's special ed classes was a lesson in camaraderie.

Schools were picked from a random drawing to ensure no one got a head start on making their boat. They were then given a stipend of money, and seven months to make their solar-powered watercraft.

On Friday the boats had to qualify. Officials placed them in the water to make sure they were made under the correct stipulations and would not sink. Schools that had qualified earlier in the day would help schools that were having trouble. Teamwork was just another lesson learned at the event.

Saturday and Sunday the boats were put to test during the races. The designated skippers steered their crafts, while the teammates rooted on the creations.

The Elsinore team, led by teacher Rick Wolter, brought out its boat, which was decorated in orange and black stripes, and adorned with a small tiger head at the bow. It was also covered in signatures from students who donated spare change to graffiti the boat and volunteer some kind of help.

Wolter has led teams to compete for the last three years and called this year’s races a “phenomenal weekend for the kids.”

His passion for solar paneling is prevalent in his classroom. He has a wind generation machine and solar panels on the roof. He says the hands-on work of dealing with solar panels and making the boat keeps his students motivated.

Jordan Sperry, a junior, and the assistant captain of the team, hopes to be captain next year. Someday, when he gets a house of his own, he wants to do it in solar. He got into solar energy because of Wolter.

“He’s my teacher, my coach, and my best friend,” he said of his respected teacher.

Michelle Deskin, the mother of team member Richard, calls Mr. Wolter the best teacher in all of Lake Elsinore.

“Student’s still call him from 10 years ago just to talk because of the influence he’s made on them," she said.

After the awards ceremony, a proud Wolter said the team had accomplished its goals of competing and finishing, and had come together to help spread awareness of alternative energy sources.