Middle School

On April 11th and 12th, after an eight-week learning process, 8th graders in Mr. Kelchner’s science classes presented their sustainable building design projects to a panel of engineers. The winning group was selected by a guest engineer who played the role of the building owner. The winners included Jack Garrigan, Carter Mensch, and Garrett Pesarchick. These students presented the details of their design with knowledge and professionalism. Their building had terraces and overhangs that gave it character, and it included a unique outdoor dining area for the building’s employees. They described an array of thoughtfully chosen energy-saving features and amenities, while still managing to come in just under their allotted budget of $20 million. Their “design firm” was able to win the contract by demonstrating how their systems reduced the operating cost through lowered electricity and water bills, using their calculated reductions to justify their design choices. Among other prizes, they will have their names engraved on the classroom trophy that features all past winners of the competition. A big thank you to the guest judges who generously gave of their time again this year to be with us for two days. These included Eric Fedder, 2005 SCA valedictorian, architectural engineer, and senior project manager for Project Management Advisors Inc. of San Diego, California; John Kelchner, electrical engineer and retired President & CEO of Citizen’s Electric Power Company in Lewisburg, PA; and Noah Blusius, SCA alumnus, architectural engineer with Alexander Building Construction in Harrisburg. Congratulations to all 8th grade students for your outstanding effort and successful collaboration on a very challenging real-world project!