Each year, the Academy’s Electric Car Team participates in Hawaiian Electric Company’s (HECO) Electron Marathon with a car that students design, build and race using no more than 64 pounds of batteries. Being a member of the Electric Car team requires a year-round commitment and countless after-school hours to build and test the vehicle and is open to students in grades 7 to 12. In the process, students hone their skills in electronics, aerodynamics and construction, not to mention teamwork and public relations.

In past years, the Academy’s Electric Car Team has consistently placed in the top categories in the Marathon. At the 2003 event, the team took the top prize in oral presentation, written documentation and the most laps completed during the hour-long race. Their efforts garnered the top overall award among the 30 participating schools from throughout the islands.

The members of the Electric Car Team prove that teamwork and dedication, not testosterone, is needed to produce a winning race team.