MoDOT Tests Bridges, Names Winners of the 23rd Annual Bridge Building Competition

SIKESTON-After weeks of work to build the most efficient model bridges, Southeast Missouri high school students put their bridges to the test on Nov. 5 at the completion of MoDOT's 23rd Annual Bridge Building Competition.

The competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to build the most efficient model bridge using limited materials-balsa wood, thread and glue.

Perryville Area Career and Technology Center, Chaffee High School and North County High School received first, second and third place for best overall performance, respectively.

Additionally, students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads. Winners included:

• 1st - Jordan Essner, Chaffee High School
• 2nd - Ethan Bollinger, North County High School
• 3rd - Colton Kuehn, Perryville Area Career and Technology Center
• 4th - Chase Reed, Perryville Area Career and Technology Center
• 5th - Ty Atkins, Chaffee High School

Other awards included the most aesthetic bridge presented to Cade Sawyer of Senath-Hornersville High School and the first-place winner of the computer-based electronic bridge competition, Cooper Culton of North County High School.

A new challenge was added this year exclusively for teachers. Teachers from participating schools were given the chance to construct a model bridge, following the same rules as students. 11 teachers participated, with Anthony Stegman from Woodland High School earning the top honor.

Cash prizes for all awards were donated by BFW/Marcum Engineering and Consulting, HR Green, Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, Missouri S&T, Rotary Club of Southeast Missouri Service and Sikeston Jaycees.

Missouri S&T and Southeast Missouri State University awarded scholarships to the top winners.

Representatives from Cape Girardeau Safe Communities were on hand to educate students about safe driving.

For more information, please contact Senior Communications Specialist Ashley Metelski at (573)380-9432 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636). Additional information, including event photos and a complete list of award winners, is available at www.modot.org/bridge-competition.

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