Solar Storms Shine at 4th of July Parade
The Solar Storm were met with cheers and smiles as they drove through the 4th o f July parade, proudly sharing their solar car with the community for the first time. That moment was only possible because the team had pulled an all-nighter to get the car running, making the celebration even more meaningful.
Solar Storms Takes to the Airwaves
June 18, 2026
The solar Storms team recently had the chance to be featured on the radio, sharing the story behind Hood River’s first high school solar car team. Students talked about designing and building a solar-powered race car, preparing for the cross-country race in Texas, and the challenges and excitement of bring the project to life. The interview also highlighted the incredible support from mentors, sponsors, and the community that has made this journey possible.
School Board Says Yes to Texas!!!
June 10, 2026
After presenting to the school board, the Solar Storms team received a unanimous vote of support to travel to Texas for the Solar Car Challenge. It was an exciting milestone and a chance to share everything the team has accomplished so far-from designing and building a solar-powered race car to growing support throughout our Hood River Valley Community. The board wished the team good luck as they head to Texas, recognizing not only what these students have already achieved, but the incredible potential they have to represent our Hood River Valley High School and the Hood River Valley community on a national stage. This unanimous vote is another reminder that big dreams really can start right here at home.
The Big Reveal: Unveiling the Solar Race Car
June 6, 2026
The Solar Storms Public Launch was a celebration of the team’s journey from an idea to a solar car nearing race readiness. Students, families, sponsors, mentors, school staff, and community supporters gathered to recognize the hard work, perseverance, and collaboration that brought the project to life. The highlight of the evening was the countdown to the unveiling, when the solar car was revealed to the public for the very first time. Team members shared the story of how the car was designed and built, reflected on challenges they overcame, and thanked the many individuals and organizations who supported the project along the way. The event marked an exciting milestone as the team looks ahead to testing, competition, and the next stage of their solar racing journey.
Sharing Our Solar Car Journey at First Friday
June 5, 2026
The Solar Storms team joined First Friday to share the excitement of our solar car project and show the community what local students can accomplish in just one year. Throughout the evening, team members spoke with visitors about the design, construction, and planning that go into building a solar-powered race car. Guests were able to see the car up close, learn about the different roles students play on the team, and hear about the challenges and successes of preparing for the solar Car Challenge in Texas. The team also used the event to thank supporters, raise awareness about the program, and invite the community to be part of the journey. First Friday provided a chance for students to practice communicating their work, share their passion for engineering and showcase the many hours of dedication that have gone into the project.
Students Leave Their Mark on Solar Storms
March 19,2026
At the STEM Fair at May Street Elementary School in Hood River, the Solar Car Team, Solar Storms, gave students the chance to think like engineers as they explored how solar-powered cars work and helped design different parts of the car. Through this hands-on activity, kids were able to problem-solve, make creative design choices, and see how engineering comes to life, while the team enjoyed being back out in the community sharing their knowledge and inspiring younger students to imagine themselves as future builders, inventors, and innovators.
Solar Storms Solar Car Team Brings STEM Excitement to Super Saturday
March 14, 2026
The solar car team was excited to be out in the community at Super Saturday, sharing their passion for engineering and renewable energy with younger students by helping them build little solar cars. Their hands-on class gave kids a fun way to learn about science while creating something they could watch come to life, and it also gave the team a chance to reconnect with the community and inspire the next generation through leadership, mentorship and STEM.
Solar Storms Seek Community Support at GTA Talks
This month we had the exciting opportunity to speak at the Gorge Tech Alliance meeting at the Ruins in Hood River, OR. We shared our mission: racing a student-built solar car in Texas, and what it means to start a brand-new team. We’re grateful to the Gorge Tech Alliance(GTA) for giving us the chance to present, and we hope to partner with local tech professionals who want to help young innovators bring Solar Storms to life.
Hood River Valley High School Club Fair
September 15, 2025
At the Hood River High School Club Fair, the Solar Storms team set up an eye-catching booth to share our mission and recruit new members. Surrounded by bright posters, solar panels, and a small go-cart that participants could sit in, we invited students to join our exciting journey of designing and racing a car, powered entirely by the sun. Team members talked with curious classmates about engineering, and the thrill of competing at the Solar Car Challenge in Texas in July, 2026. It was an inspiring day of connecting with future innovators and building momentum for our growing team.
Solar Storms Solar Car Team 