Luca Rice explains the seating, from left Jenni Campbell, Michelle Donnellon, Liz Reilly, Hugo Funke, and Xanthi Rice.
Principal, Paul Aikman and team thank sponsor, Donald District and Community Bank representative, Kirby Richmond-Davis.The EBT team from left: Lyric Davis, Luca Rice, Charlie Burke, Jack Reilly, Chase Campbell, Jesse Lydom, Judd Geddes and Hugo Funcke. Absent Oakley Brennan and Baxter Donnellon.
Back row from left: Paul Aikman, Andy Medlyn, Lyric Davis, Shannon Geddes, Charlie Burke, Emma Burke, Baxter Donnellon, Jesse Lydom, Judd Geddes, Jo Beavis, Kirby Richmond-Davis, Liz Reilly, Michelle Donnellon, Marsha Funcke, Carlee Lydom, Ruth Butler, Karen Medlyn, and Tony Cashin. Front: Kathy Campbell, Jason Rice, Bradley Calvert, Xanthi Rice, Chase Campbell, Oakley Brennan, Jack Reilly, Hugo Funcke, Toby Lydom and Jenni Campbell. Seated in the trike, Luca Rice.
3D printed keychains made from parts of the old vehicle.
Principal, Paul Aikman and team thank sponsor, Donald District and Community Bank representative, Kirby Richmond-Davis. The EBT team from left: Lyric Davis, Luca Rice, Charlie Burke, Jack Reilly, Chase Campbell, Jesse Lydom, Judd Geddes and Hugo Funcke. Absent Oakley Brennan and Baxter Donnellon.
The crew (from left) Lyric Davis, Oakley Brennan and Chase Campbell, help Karen Medlyn settle in for a lap.
All lit up and ready to go, “It’s a Goode Thing!” and team will compete this weekend in the Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough.
Excitement was palpable at Donald High School last week as members of the Energy Breakthrough (EBT) team gathered alongside sponsors and family to unveil their new vehicle and receive their official team gear.
The event marked the final preparations ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated challenge in Maryborough, Victoria.
Honouring Sponsors and Tradition
The sponsors’ afternoon was a celebration of community support, with sponsors witnessing the team’s excitement as they received their gear—including team shirts, hats, body chamois, water bottles, and shower timers (for their two-minute pit-stop goal, and two-minute water saving showers). A highlight was the distribution of keychains crafted from parts of their retired Energy Breakthrough vehicle, a poignant nod to the program’s legacy.
The newly unveiled trike, fully funded through a wildly successful sponsorship drive, is aptly named “It’s a Goode Thing” in honour of Tony Goode, a dedicated supporter of Donald High School’s EBT efforts over the years. Sponsors were celebrated with an afternoon tea, a meet-and-greet with the team, and certificates of appreciation. Their generous contributions, sponsorships, and in-kind donations made the dream of upgrading the school’s vehicle a reality.
The Challenge Awaits
The Energy Breakthrough program, established in 1991, provides students with a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and local industry to design and construct vehicles, machines, or innovative technology that push the boundaries of energy efficiency. Teams compete in various categories such as Robotics, Junkyard Challenge, Pushcarts, Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs), and Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs). All are judged across three areas: Design and Construction, Display and Presentation and Trials.
Donald High School will participate in the Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) category, a gruelling 24-hour endurance race where teams strive to complete the most laps. Students will take shifts to drive, man the pit, and rest, with support from a skeleton crew of dedicated teachers and parents.
Preparation and Optimism
This year’s team has been training diligently since the end of the winter sports season, preparing to meet the physical and mental challenges of the 24-hour race. The team consists of eight riders from Years 8 to 10: Hugo Funcke, Jack Reilly, Jesse Lydom, Lyric Davis, Charlie Burke, Judd Geddes, and joint captains Luca Rice and Baxter Donnellon. Supporting them are pit crew members Chase Campbell and Oakley Brennan, along with staff members Karen Medlyn, Christopher Poole, Belicia Francis, and Bradley Colvert.
Karen, shared her excitement about the team’s progress:
“The response from the community has been amazing. The kids are eager, and there’s a real buzz around the new trike. Everyone’s ready to give it their all.”
With final preparations underway, including trailers, carpooling, and last-minute logistics, the team aims for 2-minute range for lap times and minimal pit stops, with only critical breaks for maintenance or driver changes.
Karen also inspired the team by showcasing medals from her past EBT experiences, proving that success is within reach. Principal Paul Aikman commended her leadership, saying:
“The EBT is an immense amount of work, and Karen’s enthusiasm and dedication have been invaluable to the team.”
A New Era for Donald High School
With their revamped vehicle and renewed determination, the Donald High School students are ready to take on their rivals, including their sister school, St. Arnaud. Though they face larger teams equipped with nutritionists and advanced resources, the Donald crew is fuelled by a competitive spirit and a sense of community pride.
The 2024 Energy Breakthrough represents more than a race; it’s a testament to teamwork, innovation, and perseverance. For Donald High School, the event is a chance to prove that students can achieve great things – together.
For those eager to cheer on trike number 66, “It’s a Goode Thing,” scrutineering begins today (Friday, November 22), with the challenge running from November 23 to 24. Don your Royal Blues gear and make some noise as the trike speeds by at lightning pace. This incredible opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our community.
Go, you Goode Thing!
