The Hampton Cove Middle School Greenpower Team and their school sponsor, Ms. Melissa Snider, could not have more words to describe their love for Greenpower. Ms. Snider states that many of her students join Greenpower because of their hopes to drive the car they build, but many of them stay because they fall in love with every aspect of Greenpower.
Three of the 8th grade students who joined the Greenpower team as 6th graders, stated that Greenpower has truly helped guide them to a career pathway they hope to pursue in their future. These students all agree that the hands-on experiences in engineering the car through troubleshooting and actually driving have given them great insight to a possible career in an engineering-related field. As they prepare for high school, one student said he plans to pursue Greenpower by completing the Greenpower pathway and being a part of the district-wide team. He stated that learning how to properly use tools and equipment as they are designed has given him insight into the engineering side of Greenpower. Another student stated she hopes to become an engineer and feels the Greenpower and STEAM Teams at Hampton Cove Middle Schools has helped her in making that decision by allowing her the experience of hands-on opportunities similar to an engineer.
When asked about their favorite memory over the past three years of Greenpower, the students, without hesitation, all exclaimed "Definitely going to Talladega!" These students, and all of the HCMS Greenpower Team, had the opportunity to race their car at Talladega SuperSpeedway. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from J.S. Solutions, the HCMS Greenpower Team had full access to the pit area and were able to store their car and other equipment in a professional NASCAR garage. The students agreed that even though they didn't win, or even place in the top 10, it was still an experience they will never forget! Especially camping in the in-field then getting rained on in the middle of the night!
Ms. Snider, when asked about her team and students, lights up like any proud educator would. She says her students are always working hard and have all developed a love for not just driving the car, but building and perfecting the car. She is often heard telling her students, "A bad day racing is still a great day racing."
