Soquel High Engineering Students Build, Race on 'Ninja Warrior Style' Course

Students in the Soquel High School GMEC Academy will compete Friday in a team challenge involving obstacles they built in class. 

The Green Manufacturing, Engineering, & Construction (GMEC) Academy at Soquel High started in 2007. It encourages hands-on learning, academic achievement, professional integrity and relevant vocational skills to provide students clear educational pathways to jobs earning family-supporting wages.

According to parent volunteer Jennifer Selden, each team of students has designed and built one element/obstacle which will be assembled into one large :ninja warrior style" course. The teams will race each other through the combined course Friday.

Points are awarded for design, execution and speed. This year's guest judge is Capitola City Councilman Michael Termini. 

All challenges are executed with recycled/reclaimed materials. These challenges are full of life lessons in teamwork, cooperation, problem solving and leadership, according to Selden, who has had two daughters take part in the program.

In years past they have held cardboard boat races, push cart races, and designed large catapults to launch basketballs at cardboard castles 40 yards out, Selden said.