The Lexus Environmental Challenge Team

Students in the new Research class have been investigating solar energy applications.

(March 10, 2008 – Riverhead, NY) Ten RHS students have formed a team and entered The Lexus Environmental Challenge. The Challenge is a national contest that encourages students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities.

The Challenge was designed to educate young people about the environment and to inspire them to create a better world. Our students have accepted the challenge and are competing against students in other schools across the nation as they take a stand to prove that a small group of individuals can truly impact the environment in big ways. Our team has developed a detailed action plan that will benefit not only our own community but a near-by community as well.

Due to our students' presentation at a village board meeting in Greenport, the board is investigating a possible change to their policy regarding Net Metering for those who are able to generate their own electricity from solar energy.

Our school club, the Heliacolytes (Greek for “followers of the sun”), initially intended to make a proposal for a project, but now due to the response they have gotten following their presentation to the village board (click on highlighted/underlined titles to see videos: Greenport Village Board Meeting), the team has decided to work to raise funds (between $7,400 and $11,000 depending on the system) to make their proposal a reality.

In an attempt to give the public a small idea of some of the things the team is proposing (SEE GREENPORT VILLAGE BOARD), included are videos of several of the trips that ultimately were key in helping the team to research and develop their idea (click to see videos: Trip to Glory at Greenport Part One AND Visit to Go Solar in Aquebogue, NY).

According the RHS science teacher Bob Jester, "At present the team is putting together a request seeking corporate sponsorship. In May once they have completed this assignment, they will evaluate their successes and determine the steps that they will take to expand the project. STAY TUNED!"

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Related Link: New Research Class and Club at RHS