Kennett High School student wins prize in MoDOT Bridge Competition

Photo provided Will Johnson, of Kennett High School, won the "Most Aesthetic" award at the Fifth Annual MoDOT Bridge Building Competition. [Click to enlarge]

KHS student wins 'Most Aesthetic' award in bridge competition

George Anderson

Daily Dunklin Democrat

Kennett High School student Will Johnson recently won the "Most Aesthetic" award at the Missouri Department of Transportation's Fifth Annual Bridge Building Competition.

Johnson, 17, an eleventh grade student at KHS, got involved in the competition through his Chemistry teacher, Angelic Davis.

"She told her chemistry and physics classes about it," Johnson said.

Davis' physics class did the project for a grade, however, Johnson got to do the project for fun since he was a chemistry student.

As a first time builder, Johnson sought the help of his father, Rick.

"My dad is really good at math and he knew how to do it," Johnson said.

Johnson also stated that the project has made him think about a career in engineering.

For his efforts, Johnson walked away with a check for $75.

The competition, which was held on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau, Mo., tested the student's engineering skills as they designed and constructed the most efficient model bridge from a bridge kit which included 20 pieces of balsa wood, a spool of thread, and a bottle of glue.

This year's competition boasted a record 342 student signed up for the event, trumping last years record of 200.

Ste. Genevieve High School took home the top four positions with Tom Bach placing first, Zachary Fallert placing second, Alex Herzog placing third, and Michael Rhodes placing fourth.

Brittany Burnett of Risco High School won the award for Computer-based Electronic Bridge.

Prizes were also awarded for the schools that competed the best overall. Sen. Jason Crowell donated $1,000 in prize money to this category.

Ste. Genevieve High School placed first and received a trophy and a check for $500. Chaffee High School placed second and received a $300 check. Oak Ridge High School placed third and received $200 check.

"We've had so many teachers really get involved in the competition and use it as a way to teach elements of engineering to their students and really educate them about the design process that we wanted a way to reward the schools for their efforts in promoting civil engineering," said Traffic Engineer Craig Compas. "We're appreciative that Sen. Crowell's generosity made that possible."

Cash prized were donated by the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, Cape Girardeau Area Engineers Club, and Southeast Missouri State's Engineering and Physics Club.

A total of $10,000 in civil engineer scholarships were also available from various schools including Southeast Missouri State University, the University of Missouri at Rolla, the University of Missouri at Columbia, Arkansas State University, and Southern Illinois University.

"We really want to foster an interest in civil engineering with the competition," said Senior Highway Designer Anita Clark. "The event started as a way to get students in Southeast Missouri interested in engineering, help them with their education, and hopefully have them working in the field someday, possibly with MoDOT.

"That opportunity wouldn't be possible without the generous donations of the businesses and organizations that help us make it happen each year and to them, we are extremely grateful."

Competition sponsors included Hobby Lobby, Wehrenberg Theatres, Coca-Cola, Rhodes 101 Stops, and Cici's Pizza.