The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on competition where students design and test small-scale wind turbines and solar structures. This year, Southwest Virginia had a strong presence at the Blacksburg Regional KidWind Competition, with teams from Lebanon Middle (two teams), Honaker High (eighth grade only), Castlewood High, Damascus Middle, Northwood Middle and Virginia Middle schools placing in the tournament.
Local Schools and Awards
Wind
- 1st Place Middle School Wind Challenge
- Lebanon Middle School (Pioneer Winds)
- 2nd Place Middle School Wind Challenge
- Lebanon Middle School (The Winds of Change)
- 3rd Place Middle School Wind Challenge
- Northwood Middle School (Panther Wind Power)
- Blades Award
- Virginia Middle School (The Whirlwind Wonders)
- Judge’s Award
- Lebanon Middle School (The Winds of Change)
- Sportsmanship Award
- Honaker High School (Honaker Tigers)
Solar
- 1st Place Middle School Solar Challenge
- Damascus Middle School (DMS Cavs)
- 2nd Place Middle School Solar Challenge
- Castlewood High School 6th-8th grade (Castlewood Blue Devils)
About the KidWind Challenge
The Virginia Renewable Energy KidWind Challenge invites students to design, build, and test wind turbines and solar structures while learning about renewable energy. Teams present their projects to judges, take a quiz on renewable energy, and test their wind turbines in the KidWind Wind Tunnel for energy output.
Teams from Lebanon Middle School, Damascus Middle School, and Castlewood High School will advance to the State Challenge at James Madison University on April 12, 2025.
Support for Southwest Virginia’s Future Energy Leaders
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center supported regional participation in the KidWind Challenge through the Energy Education Academy, which aims to prepare students for careers in the energy sector. In 2024, the Center received a grant to explore middle school energy education, focusing on curriculum development and career pathways.
This initiative, in partnership with Virginia Tech, four local school districts, and Invest SWVA, is shaping an educational experience that prepares students for the evolving energy workforce. The pilot project is funded by the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and GO Virginia. Click here to learn more about the Energy Education Academy.
