Page 165 - Yggdrasil 2022

S^’LAR() CAR
Girl Power Meets Solar Power By Sofia Barrera ‘25
The Carrollton solar car racing team (CarrollSun) had a fantastic 2021 - 2022 season in the Upper School,
When 17 teenage girls arrived at Florida G ulf Coast University and rolled in a hot pink car, their competition was shocked. Not only was
the 2 0 2 2 solar car spray painted a vibrant shade o f pink, but its chassis was welded from scratch meaning that the team melted metal together using advanced tools. Although our competitors did not expect to see a car like ours, they did know that we (as 2020 champions) would return to defend our crown.
Starting in August o f 2021, the CarrollSun team worked diligently several days aweek with team captains, Thais Cristina Perez '22 and Isabella Delionado '22. They have created a sisterly atmosphere among high school students who share a love of STEM. Other members ofthe team include An Qi Meiser '22, Cherie Laroshe '22, Eva de Ramon '22, Maddie Leano '22, Sophia Garcia '22, Cecilia Swain '23, Paulina Suarez '23, Lauren Nieto '24, Aubrey Bales 24, Chiara Ortiz '25, Claudia Oses '25, Pia Tilen '25, and Sofia Barrera '25.
"We've all learned what it really means to be a part of a team, and have gained so much from our experiences together," said Thais. Through hours ofwelding, spray painting, and screwing bolts into every inch of our car, we made our deadline and prepared to race at Elorida Gulf Coast University. We were able to win two out ofthe three categories, which were best presentation and fastest in sprint three.
The real reward was not the trophies that we took home, but the experiences we had as a team. Working late nights, painting each other's nails, and giving each other advice, the team has become a family A t the end o f the year, all members o f the CarrollSun team ran into a loving group hug that was filled with tears. Our amazing solar car was one oftwo things we builtthat year. The other (which was created simultaneously and unintentionally) was this beautiful group o f women that I am proud to call my sisters.
Thais summed it up well by saying, "Whether its supporting each other emotionally teaching each other shop skills, or even helping other members out with homework after a long night at the makerspace, I think this team truly embodies what it means to be sisters of the Sacred Heart."
Team members: Isabella Delionado, Thais Perez, Sofia Garcia, Eva de Ramon, Maddie Leano, Abigail Mesier, Cherie Laroche, Cecilia Swain, Paulina Suarez, Lauren Nieto, Sofia Tillen, Chiara Ortiz, Sofia Barrera, Claudia Oses