How the Aggressive Stingers show school spirit with the Green Prix program
How the Aggressive Stingers show school spirit with the Green Prix program
By Jaclyn Lewis
Pointed stingers. Menacing wings. An intimidating grimace. You wouldn’t know it, but I am describing the electric race cars built at Lookout Valley Elementary School. The students there have been hard at work this semester getting their two electric race cars primed for the Green Prix happening on May 6th and 7th at the UTC Sports Complex. Aptly named after the yellow jacket (their school mascot), the Aggressive Stingers is a group of industrious fourth and fifth graders from Lookout Valley Elementary who built and designed both cars.
Bryant after testing out the “00” race car on the track at Baylor High School.
This is the third year for the Aggressive Stingers to participate in the Hamilton County Green Prix. Although the Green Prix happens twice a year, the Aggressive Stingers aren’t ones to stand still. Between their two cars and their four coaches, they regularly race throughout the Southeast. Last month, they raced in LaGrange where they won the Best Looking Car award. Next, they are off to Huntsville.
Ben and Bryant help Rylie buckle up.
Their enthusiasm is infectious. “This year, we had an overwhelming response of interest for the Green Prix team,” says Coach Kaitlyn Rhoden. She adds that they couldn’t do this without the larger community’s support. “The students, parents, and Lookout Valley community rallied together to raise money. We are able to do this with the help of sponsors and fundraisers.”
Possibly the Green Prix experience attracts so many students because it bolsters such a wide variety of skills. When asked what roles each student has on the team, most students explained they have multiple jobs, including designer, mechanic, driver, pusher, and pit crew chief — just to name a few.
Some of these roles are technical, while others are leadership based. The pit crew chief, for example, is responsible for communicating race details on the big day. As fifth grader Harlow explains, “the pit crew chief runs over and tells everyone who is driving next and keeps everyone in order.” She ribs her classmate Hannah, who has the job this year, “she gets to tell everyone what to do!”
Harlow gives their car a push start.
Although students develop a wide range of hard skills in this program, it is clear that teamwork is the unifying theme. Coach Rhoden agrees, “The best part about coaching is watching the kids learn to build, drive, and complete presentations as a team. The excitement on race day is my favorite part but most importantly watching the students support each other is amazing.”
One specific example of how the Aggressive Stingers support each other and the larger student body is in the design of their first race car. When students explained to me why it has the number “00”, it became apparent that this was an opportunity for them to put some heart into their work. The number “00” was the jersey number of one of their classmates Aubrey Reel, a basketball player, who passed away unexpectedly in a car accident a few years ago. For the Green Prix team, naming their car after their classmate was a fitting way to commemorate her and to show fellowship with the community.
Students running sprints at Lookout Valley Elementary.
Students at Lookout Valley Elementary testing their race cars
You will get a first-hand chance to cheer on the Aggressive Stingers at the Green Prix on May 6th and 7th, located at the UTC Sports Complex next to Engel Stadium. The Green Prix is free and guests can park at the UT Erlanger Family Practice lot. There will be a concessions booth and everyone is encouraged to dress for the weather, as this event is entirely outdoors. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/GreenPrix. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, can contact Tj@greenspaceschattanooga.org or read more here.
Lastly, a final note from the Aggressive Stingers themselves, “We can't wait to see you on the track!”