Thanks for aid to Junior Solar Sprints

To the Editor: Thanks to all who made TransOptions fifth Junior Solar Sprints (JSS) competition a success. JSS provides an opportunity for middle-school students from Morris, Warren and Sussex counties to design, build and race solar powered model cars in county and inter-county competitions. The program begins in the classroom and culminates with the inter-county winners having an opportunity to compete in the regional competitions held in Springfield, Massachusetts. Junior Solar Sprints allows students to expand their understanding of renewable energy technologies while participating in a fun and competitive program. Working in teams, the students apply scientific concepts to design solar-powered model cars that are first judged on innovation, technical merit and creativity. The models are than raced against each other to determine the fastest car. Participation in the program encourages young people to consider environmental and technical studies while increasing their awareness of air pollution and transportation alternatives. The program grew from an initial 451 students from eight schools to this year’s 2,352 students from 41 schools. This would not have been possible with the support of our sponsors. For their encouragement of student creativity and their support of the Junior Solar Sprints program, I acknowledge and thank Clear Channel Communications, Condit’s Toyota World, JCP&L, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, N.J. Herald, N.J. Portable Toilet, Pepsi Bottling Company, Pfizer and WDHA 105.5. Again, thank you to all who helped, volunteers and staff, and sponsors. You made this year’s TransOptions Junior Solar Sprints Program a huge success. John F. Ciaffone, president TransOptions