Beech Tree News Network

On Saturday, March 2nd, bridge builders from around the region gathered for the 24th annual bridge building competition.  The event was held at Ogden Hall on the Western Kentucky University Campus in Bowling Green.  This year's competition featured three area schools and 21 qualifying contestants.  Nine students from Butler County Middle School entered bridges in the middle school division.

TOP THREE EFFICIENCY WINNERS:  CAYDEN SOUTHERLAND, JAYDEN JENKINS, AND RYLEIGH WHITE.

Butler County Middle School students placing in the top three and receiving plaques were: Cayden Southerland (1st place with an efficiency of 1314.22) ; Jayden Jenkins (2nd place with an efficiency of 1069.39) ; and Ryleigh White (3rd place with an efficiency of 823.00).  Other B.C.M.S students with qualifying bridges were:  Dastin Scott (6th place with an efficiency of 798.71) ; Brennan Bartley (8th place with an efficiency of 773.63) ; Larkin O'Connell (9th place with an efficiency of 670.24) ; Jeffrey Parrish (13th place with an efficiency of 285.09) ; Savannah Coin (14th place with an efficiency of 262.54) ; and Preston Clark (19th place with an efficiency of 157.91).  Efficiency is determined by dividing teh load the bridge will hold by the weight of the bridge.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN WINNERS:  DASTIN SCOTT AND CAYDEN SOUTHERLAND.

Also Dastin Scott and Cayden Southerland received Architectural Design plaques for the creative and artistic design of a bridge.  Dastin placed first and Cayden placed second in this category.  Only two such awards are given each year.

"Congratulations to all students who put in the additional time and effort necesary to participate in this competition," said Dennis McCrocklin, B.C.M.S teacher and coach of the bridge building team.  "Historically, Butler County Middle School students have have performed well in this competition.  In their 20th year of participation in this contest, they remain strong contenders and are very deserving of recognition."

 "A special thanks to all the supportive parents, hosts, and volunteers who make this event possible each year," added McCrocklin.