Student from Fort Pierce Sylvan Learning Center wins!

Dan McCarty Middle School student Sheri Bradley, 14, of Fort Pierce races during the Extreme Energy Education Event kart races at Treasure Coast Research Park Saturday, May 22 in Fort Pierce. Dan McCarty Finished First in the best time category and was overall winner of the event. Karts were all required to run on a fuel alternative to gasoline. The Dan McCarty team raced with six 12-volts betteries.

Excitement and enthusiasm were abundant fuels to nearly 50 St. Lucie County middle school students, their mentors and instructors during the Florida Power and Light “Extreme Energy Education” event (FPL XE3) student kart alternative fuel races held Saturday, May 22, at the Treasure Coast Research Park. “The most important element of the race is that students have an opportunity to learn about renewable energy and have fun in an enriching way,” said Amy Brunjes, FPL's external affairs manager for St. Lucie County, during opening ceremonies for the event. Eight teams of students representing the county’s middle schools designed and installed motors powered by alternative fuels. Alternative fuels which powered the cars ranged from rechargeable electric and solar batteries, vegetable oil, biodiesel and compressed air. None were powered by traditional petroleum fuels, according to Ben DeVries, Executive Director for the park. He said the event showcased research projects he expects will take place in the park.