BC Hydro Power Pioneers Award is given to a student(s) in Grades 4 – 12 who create a project that demonstrates electrical conservation and its environmental, social and economic impacts. On April 15 the Pacific Branch had the opportunity to judge 11 projects at the South Fraser Regional Science Fair, held at Kwantlen Polytech University in Surrey. Bill Fernihough and Ben Dobranowski were judges for this special Power Pioneers award. 

The award was presented on April 16 to Mark Kupa, a grade 7 student from Semiahmoo Secondary School. His project was entitled “Jet Turbine Engines.”

The purpose of his project was to design a small turbine engine with applications for aircraft and power generation using alternative fuels. His prototype model experiment was successful (based on a video, since no flames were allowed at the fair) in powering the turbine. This could be adapted by producing electricity through a generator and transformer.

Ben Dobranowski presents Mark with an award certificate and a copy of the Power Pioneers Voices From Bridge River book. He also received a $100 cheque from the Regional Science Fair.