BUILDING BETTER BRIDGES

How can a few fi le folders be used to support almost 70 pounds? Just ask Ben Thomas, Alex Harvatin and Tucker Schmidt from Sacred Heart-Griffi n High School in Springfi eld. Their “Tacoma Narrows 2” bridge, made entirely of fi le folders and glue, weighed only 100 grams but supported an incredible 69 pounds to win the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers’ 37th Annual Bridge-Building Contest. Held last week at White Oaks Mall in Springfi eld, the contest featured 19 bridges built by high school students from area schools. The bridges were scored on load-to-weight ratio, construction and creativity. The winning bridge came within four pounds of breaking the contest record of 73 pounds. TJ Dane of Lanphier High School in Springfi eld won second place with his “Lions Bridge,” a nod to the high school’s mascot. Dane’s bridge also earned wins in the Best Construction and Most Innovative categories. Here’s hoping those smart youngsters go on to build new bridges in the world – literally and fi guratively.