Editor’s note: This is one in a series of profiles on local and area seniors who were selected by their schools as the top academic achievers and were  honored at the fifth annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, held April 29 in Des Moines.

MUSCATINE, Iowa —  When Andrew Bennett was 13, he saw a solar-powered car in one of Muscatine’s Great River Days Reunion parades and was inspired.

The car had been developed by the Muscatine Electrathon team, a group that builds and races cars that are powered by batteries rather than gas.

“I knew I wanted to be part of that,” said Bennett.

Bennett became involved in the Muscatine Electrathon team while he was a student at West Middle School and continued that interest through this, his senior year at MHS.

The Muscatine Electrathon includes students in grades 8-12 and is part of Iowa Electrathon, which in turn is part of Electrathon America. Electrathon incorporates skills such as teamwork, mechanics and documentation, for use in everyday life.

“You can see results of your hard work after you plan the race and work on the car,” said Bennett, 17. “We race our cars

for hour-long periods, seeing which team can make the most laps, proving the car’s energy efficiency.”

Bennett plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa next year to prepare for a career in renewable energy systems and sustainable business development.

According to his teacher Heather Sutton, Bennett is not only a good student, he’s also a team player.

Sutton said Bennett will come to class early to get help when he doesn’t understand a concept and spend time helping others understand the material. “Andrew exemplifies an outstanding citizen. He’s caring and willing to help you,” she said.

Sutton had Bennett in her advanced placement calculus class this year. “Andrew is a high achiever due to his work ethic,” she said. “He is very dedicated to everything he attempts.”

Bennett said he believes Muscatine may be a fine place for him to pursue a career after college.

“Muscatine has more opportunities than some people give it credit for,” said Bennett.

In addition to his academic and solar car activities, Sutton said Bennett has demonstrated a commitment to swimming.

“He started swimming competitively during high school and made it to state on a relay team,” said Sutton. “He’s dedicating his mornings to practicing swimming to try to walk on at Iowa to swim with fellow high school teammates.”

Contact Cynthia Beaudette at 563-263-2331 ext. 323 or cynthia.beaudette@muscatinejournal.com

Name: Andrew James Bennett

School: Muscatine High School

Favorite academic subject: Spanish

Extracurricular activities: Swimming, soccer, Electrathon

Post-high school education plans: Attend University of Iowa, major in mechanical engineering

Career goal: Work with renewable energy systems or sustainable development.

Parents: Jim and Barb Bennett

Favorite free-time activity: Riding my bike or listening to music. (or both)

The program

The Governor’s Scholar Recognition program is a joint effort between the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau, and honors students who are the highest academic achievers in their schools.