In preparation for the Skills USA Competition on April 27 through 29, Watauga High School’s “Electric Cart Club” is working relentlessly. The Electric Cart Club is converting a golf cart from gas to solar-powered energy.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to meet new people and working on something that’s going to be used by the school. It’s eco-friendly, and just fun,” says freshman Jack Danner. The project allows students with a wide variety of interests to contribute.
According to the club’s advisor and Watauga Autotech teacher Eric Mortenson, “There’s people here for sustainability and for the ‘need for speed.’ Some students are interested in auto technology, some in electricity and solar power, others in detailing, and many in environmental protection.
Students from all academic tracks and social groups come together to create their ideal finished product, according to Mortenson. Even if kids don’t spend time together outside of the club, they’re “a very cooperative team,” said junior Adrianna Bumgartner.
“There’s a lot of teamwork and it’s very communal. A lot of people in our club have never taken autotech,” said Jake Staley, also a junior. Regardless, students teach and learn from one another willingly and enthusiastically.
The club has been working for around 3 years, starting their experimentation on a Nissan Hardbody. Some members, like 11th grader Macon Hollars, have been on the job since the beginning. Others have been participating since the club switched to a golf cart, or since the beginning of the current school year. All students who help with the renovation willingly dedicate many hours throughout the week to the club. The club meets for three hours after school twice a week and the four available days during FLEX.
It’s no easy task to transition a vehicle to another form of energy while going about one’s responsibilities as a student, participating in sports or extracurricular activities, or working an after-school job. The teens are constantly trying new strategies to reach their goals.
“There is progress,” said Nathan Davis, a senior. “A lot of it is just ‘what is this? What does it do? Where does it go?’ Rinse and repeat.”
However, the club’s slow, systematic progress isn’t at all a negative attribute. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute offers Autotech at the Watauga campus through teacher Dustin Ford.
“It’s been a very interesting adventure,” said Ford. It’s cool to see the kids progress on a long-term goal. They’re working together for something long-term instead of just a quick fix.”
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