Written by David Harman
STEM education has been the driving force behind bringing society to the moon and turning cars electric. Giving children the tools to learn and explore STEM is essential to ensure that the next generation will carry our society further into the future.
In Chattanooga, the Green Prix is introducing children to the ever changing world of electric vehicles by giving them real experiences early in life. According to Drive Electric Tennessee, there was a 54% increase in electric vehicles on the road from 2021 to 2022.
Put on by green|spaces, The Chattanooga Green Prix tasks 3-12th grade students to build electric cars and work as a team to compete in a real race.
Apison Elementary’s Raccoon Racers, led by STEM teacher Jason Bevil, have been competing in the Chattanooga Green Prix for 5 years.
“STEM is one of those things that is modern era… all of those new jobs are going to include some elements of technology,” Bevil said. “STEM is going to be engaged everywhere, from construction even down to working in an office. Providing that knowledge to the children now and seeing where they can go with it is one of the great things that can help them in the future.”
Through the Green Prix, Bevil has seen a lot of growth in his team.
“We create a core group of students that know about the car and the project. Some of the kids on the team have been doing this for three years and some are brand new,” Bevil said. “They learn from their peers, how everything works, how to drive the car, and more importantly the mechanicals of the car.”
During the week leading up to race day, The Raccoon Racers hold their last practice in preparation for the Green Prix. With cones set up in their parking lot, students weave in-and-out of cones—simulating what race day will look like.
Graham Schilling, a fourth grader at Apison Elementary, was excited to share his experiences as a Racoon Racer.
“Since being on this team I’ve learned to never give up,” Schilling beamed. “Last year we had a chain break during the race that landed us back some places. I’ve learned to persevere through my challenges because we had a ton of them.”
Along with learning these skills, Schilling also recognized all the friends he’s made along the way.
Olivia Hubbard, also in fourth grade, expressed her feelings for the impending race day. “I’m a little nervous personally,” Hubbard said. “It’s like the first day of school.”
On race day, each team is tasked with presenting their project to Green Prix judges, showing what they’ve learned. Following the presentations, the competition begins—including drag, circuit and other types of races.
Scoring well on their presentation and making good times during the race landed Apison Elementary’s Raccoon Racers in second place.
Held at Volkswagen and sponsored by EPB, the connections between the Green Spaces’ Green Prix and the future of electric cars is clear. These kids will be the next designers, electric race car drivers, and hold the key to our sustainable future.
By laying the groundwork for these students’ passion in the STEM field, the Green Prix helps drive students to their potential future career. By sparking the love for science, engineering, math, and technology, the next generation of innovators are created.
Kason Shackleford touches up the alignment of the tires. Students were eager to help with the final touches on the cars before the race began. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Jason Bevil puts the tire on the Raccoon Stars car before the beginning of the race. Bevil was constantly checking out the cars and making sure everything was ready to go. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Craig Brownstone helps students memorize their lines for the pre-race presentation. Brownstone is another teacher at Apison Elementary who played a large part in the team. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Jason Bevil straps a student into the car before the race starts. The students were anticipating their turn to win races for their team. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Luke O’Donnell talks to Zayne Johnson while waiting for safety inspections to begin. Extensive safety inspections were required for the cars to be able to race. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
L-R Alexander Debuty, Emerson Gargala, Jack Brunhoeber, Kason Shackleford, and Grahm Schilling sign in and get their wristbands to enter the event. All of the students were waiting at the gate in anticipation before the event opened. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
The Raccoon Racer’s mascot is placed proudly on the student’s presentation board. This stuffed Raccoon was loved by all of the students on the Raccoon Racer’s team. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
The Raccoon Stars’ car is completely ready for the race. The safety and inner workings of the car were inspected by experts before the race began. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
A small flag marks the finish line of the race. Students were taught what different color flags mean during a race. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Jason Bevil works on the inner workings of the car. While students did have a large part in building the car, adults were the ones who dealt with the electrical side. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Zayne Johnson, Oliver Johnson, and Preston Snyder help in using a power drill to secure the decals to the frame of the car. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Oliver Johnson weaves cones to practice steering control. The team had their last practice two days before the race took place. Wednesday, October 18, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Preston Snyder and Jack Brunhoeber wait for their turn to drive the car as another student is finishing his run. Each student was thoroughly trained on not to operate the car before being able to drive. Wednesday, October 18, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Student gather around the presentation board to practice their speeches. students had to give a speech to a panel before starting the race to insure they knew about their car and program. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman). 
Preston Snyder and Zane Johnson work on final touches before the race begins. These students were working on securing the outer decals to the frame of the car. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman) 
Jason Bevil works on the inner workings of the car before the safety checks begin. … is a teacher at Apison Elementary and is the school sponsor for this program. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman). 
Emerson Gargala sits in the car to check the breaks of the car during safety checks with the supervision of Jason Bevil. Every car had to go through safety testing before they are allowed on the track. Friday, October 20, 2023. (Photo by Haylee Bowerman)
Students from Apison Elementary School compete in and practice for the Chattanooga Green Prix. Photos by Haylee Bowerman.
The Future is Green
Written by Taylor McKinley
By offering training sessions, engaging competitions and an array of programs, green|spaces Chattanooga remains dedicated to advancing their mission of fostering a more eco-conscious perspective in Chattanooga.
The Chattanooga non-profit hosts many different events spanning from informative “Lunch and Learns” to larger scale projects such as the Chili Cook Off during MAINx24, along with the Chattanooga Green Prix.
All the events organized by green|spaces share a mission to advance sustainability of living, working and building within the Chattanooga region. These gatherings bring a fresh perspective, highlighting upcoming technologies and ideas in the field.
Director of Sustainability and Events at green|spaces Madison Rollings says “The Chattanooga Green Prix is all about the future of electrification vehicles in the region and across the country as a whole.”
“green|spaces is Chattanooga’s sustainability non-profit and we want to serve as a resource for those that are trying to tap into and learn more about sustainability in any way, shape, or form,” Rollings said. “There are a lot of ways to get involved with us.”
green|spaces Chattanooga is moving forward as technology evolves to make sure children are well-prepared for future workforce opportunities, while also enhancing the efficiency of residents.
Nonprofit Organizations, like green|spaces, have a multifaceted influence on both the community and its residents. green|spaces Chattanooga hosts classes to help individuals lower utility bills through a program called “Empower Chattanooga”.
“When we started the Chattanooga Green Prix there were zero electric vehicle manufacturers in the state of Tennessee and now there are four,” Rollings explained. “This is a rapidly shifting industry and not only do we want the students to be prepared to utilize electric vehicles but also be prepared for the highly specialized jobs that come with EV Manufacturing.”
green|spaces Chattanooga is always looking for volunteers that want to make a difference for not only the future of sustainability in their community, but for peers around them as well.
“We have two Green Prix a year. We are always looking for volunteers for set up or for race day. Volunteers can do everything from helping us work at registration or the concession stand to actually helping out on the race track,” Rollings said. “So, if you are interested in volunteering then you can go to GreenSpacesChattanooga.org to learn about those opportunities.”
Sustainability holds a unique significance for each individual, and participating in events and programs like those offered by green|spaces gives the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar views on sustainability.
Meet the Storytellers
Caroline Colvin is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a double major in communication and Spanish. Colvin leads two student media publications as the Head Editor of Rising Rock and the Editor in Chief of The University Echo. A writer at heart, she has also expanded her skillset in photography, audiography, and social media management. Throughout her time in Chattanooga, she has uncovered a passion for expanding coverage within the Spanish-speaking community, dedicating her storytelling to foster compassion and humanity. Reach Colvin at ypz664@mocs.utc.edu.
Haylee Bowerman is a junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga majoring in communication. She is a passionate storyteller through photography and creative writing, aspiring to create positive change in the greater Chattanooga area. Bowerman is driven by her love for community, spirituality, and the arts. She hopes to utilize her effervescent, uplifting personality to give others the comfort and confidence to share their unique stories. For any questions or collaboration ideas, email her at hayleebowerman@gmail.com
Taylor Carmody is a senior at UT Chattanooga majoring in communication with a minor in child and family studies. Carmody is hard-working, compassionate and possesses a passion for visual storytelling. Outside of her studies, she serves as a part-time volunteer leader for Chattanooga Young Life. Once she graduates, she hopes to continue to share the unheard stories of those in the community. To connect or collaborate with Taylor, email her at ccb729@mocs.utc.edu.
David Harman is a Senior at UTC studying communication with a minor in professional writing. Harman has written for the UTC Echo and runs an automotive blog, Student Driven, shining light on his writing and photography skills. Harman enjoys telling stories and capturing moments. To get in contact with Harman, email him at kxp957@mocs.utc.edu.
Taylor McKinley is a visual storyteller majoring in communication and minoring in marketing at UTC. McKinley combines her creativity, love for storytelling and passion for social media to bring those in her community together. As the Social Media and Advertising Manager of The University Echo, McKinley is always excited to find new stories, meet new people and learn new things. Outside of storytelling, McKinley works as a Digital Marketing Intern where she dives into content creation, SEOs and web design.To connect with Mckinley, email her at WZS675@mocs.utc.edu.
Lillian Simcox is a senior at The University Of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a major in communication and a minor in criminal justice. In 2016, Simcox started her own photography and videography business. She is now a writer and lead news anchor for Mocs News and has grown and strengthened her leadership skills as a manager in a well-known food chain restaurant. Lillian has a unique story, as she was adopted from China at a young age. She’s allowed her story to fuel her deep passion to enter the field of media and politics and join the call to protect children through reporting. Reach her at tfr972@mocs.utc.edu.
Rising Rock 