For Release: 05/13/2009

High School Teams Shine at 13th Annual Solar Olympics

Energy, Enthusiasm and Creativity Rewarded at UW-Stevens Point Events

Stevens Point, WI – Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded at UW-Stevens Point today as teams from 27 area high schools competed in the 13th annual Solar Olympics.

Solar Olympics, sponsored annually by WPS Community Foundation, challenges competitors to design, construct and demonstrate a solar cooker, a solar water heater, a solar-powered model racecar, and a sculpture with a solar theme. In addition, the students compete in an essay contest, a “solar jeopardy” quiz game and events for solar building design, solar T-shirt design, solar photography, community presentation and a marketing campaign.

Judges for Solar Olympics this year came from Stevens Point businesses, UW-Stevens Point and Wisconsin Public Service.

The following awards were given: Gold-medal winners for each event:

The two teams winning the most medals this year were Valders with seven and De Pere with five.

Schools competing this year included: Participating Schools:

Celebrating its thirteenth anniversary, the SolarWise® for Schools program provides renewable energy education for public and private high schools served by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. After 13 years, 47 high schools are involved, and over 14,000 students have used the curriculum package.

About the WPS Community Foundation, Inc.

The WPS Community Foundation is a private, charitable organization providing information and options for renewable energy. Through SolarWise® for Schools and the annual Solar Olympics, the Foundation actively works to preserve the environment for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. Contributions to the WPS Community Foundation are tax deductible, to the extent allowed by law. More information is available on the Web at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/environment/solarwise.aspx or by calling toll-free 800-450-7260.

For More Information, Contact: