Earlier this year, we opened a survey calling for past participants, teachers and team managers to share their Energy Breakthrough experience with us via a survey. (That call for stories is still open, by the way, with our past participant survey and past school leader surveys are still taking responses). We’ve been thrilled with the range of responses received so far.
As part of the call out, two RACV Accommodation Vouchers valued at $250 each were offered as prizes for submissions received before 30 September.
So, drumroll please! The winners of our Survey competition are …
- Sam O’Dea (Individual)
- Chris McCallum (School)
Our two winners were drawn randomly on 1 October and will have their vouchers on their way to them in the post shortly.
About the winners…
Winner #1
Sam O’Dea, Apprentice, Mercedes Benz Bendigo
Bendigo lad, Sam O’Dea, has been involved in the RACV Energy Breakthrough for over 10 years as a student, support crew and volunteer.
Asked what impact he saw the Energy Breakthrough having on other students, Sam said:
“If students are engaged and willing to give it their all the Energy Breakthrough can take them anywhere in the racing, motor or transport industries. These students could be designing the green transport to rival the likes of Telsla. The limits are endless!”
Sam’s experience with the Energy Breakthrough even led him directly to his current employment at the local Mercedes Benz dealership.
After helping prepare human powered vehicles for a number of Bendigo schools, one person saw Sam’s skills and mentioned there was an apprenticeship on offer. Sam applied and started the apprenticeship the following Monday.
These days he’s a fourth year motor mechanic at Mercedes Benz, a competitive track and road cyclist, and continues to participate with community HPV racing team, Trisled.
Sam’s also quite a handy short filmmaker, including this recent clip from the 2016 Casey 8 Hour event:
Chris McCallum, Principal, Nathalia Primary School
Winner #2
Chris’ story spans over 20 years with Nathalia Primary School, where the year 5 and 6 students participate in the pushcart category in the RACV Energy Breakthrough.
Chris sees the RACV Energy Breakthrough is “an exciting way to encourage boys and girls to problem solve. It encourages teamwork and combines fitness with technology.”
But he also says it’s not just the students that get into it:
“The RACV Energy Breakthrough brings our school community together. The program links important elements of the curriculum with the students, parents and other helpers.”
As principal of the school the Program has enabled Chris to work with a group of children outside the regular classroom environment, which is a real plus.
Oh, and it’s not just about being a Principal for Chris. This Program has had a personal impact on his family, too:
“My own children participated in the program over 20 years ago and they still say it is the best thing they did at primary school.”
Nathalia is two and a half hours drive from Maryborough.
Visit the the Nathalia Primary School website >
Haven’t filled in a survey yet?
Keep the responses coming:
Begin Survey for Individuals > https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LYWRR7T
Begin Survey for Schools > https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LYSBY5F
