Austin, January 10, 2026
The Iron Lions Solar Car Team from Greenville High School received recognition at the Texas State Capitol for their participation in the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge. Led by instructors, the team showcased their hand-built solar car, Aurora, representing Texas on an international level. This honor highlights the innovative spirit of students and educators in the region, promoting future leaders in science and technology.
Greenville High School’s Iron Lions Solar Car Team Honored at Texas State Capitol
Austin, Texas – The Iron Lions Solar Car Team from Greenville High School received official recognition at the Texas State Capitol on January 7, 2026, following their historic participation in the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge in Australia.
Accompanied by their solar car, Aurora, the team toured the Capitol and met with State Representative Brent Money and Governor Greg Abbott. During the visit, Governor Abbott presented the team with a State of Texas proclamation, honoring their achievement in representing Texas on the global stage.
The Iron Lions, led by instructors Joel Pitts, Lucas Kiowski, and George Kroncke, are known for building Aurora by hand and competing as the only high school team in the world against top university programs. Their journey through the Australian Outback showcased their engineering skills and teamwork.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for the Iron Lions, who began as an extracurricular program in 2012 and have since gained international acclaim. Such achievements exemplify the determination and innovative spirit demonstrated by local students and educators, fostering an entrepreneurial environment that encourages future leaders in science and technology.
Background on Greenville High School
Greenville High School, established in 1938, is a public high school located in Greenville, Texas. It is classified as a 5A school by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and is part of the Greenville Independent School District in Hunt County. The school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including athletics, arts, and vocational training. The Iron Lions Solar Car Team is one of the school’s notable programs, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence.
About the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge
The Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge is an international event where teams from around the world compete by designing, building, and racing solar-powered vehicles across the Australian Outback. The challenge emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and engineering prowess, providing participants with a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.
About the Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol, located in Austin, serves as the seat of the Texas Legislature and the office of the Governor. The Capitol is a historic building, known for its distinctive architecture and significance in Texas history. It hosts various events and ceremonies, including recognitions of outstanding achievements by Texans.
About Greenville Independent School District
Greenville Independent School District (ISD) is a public school district serving the city of Greenville and surrounding areas in Hunt County, Texas. The district is committed to providing quality education and fostering student success through a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. The Iron Lions Solar Car Team is one of the district’s initiatives that promote innovation and hands-on learning experiences for students.
About State Representative Brent Money
Brent Money is a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 3rd District. He has been involved in various legislative efforts and community initiatives, focusing on education, infrastructure, and economic development. Representative Money’s support for the Iron Lions highlights his commitment to recognizing and promoting achievements within his district.
About Governor Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott is the 48th Governor of Texas, serving since 2015. Prior to his tenure as governor, Abbott served as the Attorney General of Texas. His leadership has focused on issues such as education, economic development, and public safety. Governor Abbott’s recognition of the Iron Lions underscores his support for educational excellence and innovation in Texas.
About the Iron Lions Solar Car Team
The Iron Lions Solar Car Team is a student-led group from Greenville High School dedicated to designing, building, and racing solar-powered vehicles. Since its inception in 2012, the team has participated in various competitions, including the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge in Australia. Their achievements highlight the district’s commitment to fostering innovation and providing students with real-world engineering experiences.
About Aurora, the Solar Car
Aurora is the solar-powered vehicle built by the Iron Lions Solar Car Team. Designed and constructed by the students, Aurora represents the culmination of their engineering skills, teamwork, and dedication. The car is equipped with advanced solar technology, allowing it to harness solar energy for propulsion. Aurora’s participation in the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge demonstrated the team’s ability to compete at an international level.
Conclusion
The recognition of the Iron Lions Solar Car Team stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and community support in Texas. By fostering such programs, educational institutions can empower students to pursue their passions and contribute to the local economy. This achievement not only spotlights the talents of the young engineers from Greenville but also underscores the importance of continued investment in educational initiatives that promote creativity and practical skills. Readers are encouraged to support local schools and programs that inspire future innovators and entrepreneurs.
FAQ
What is the Iron Lions Solar Car Team?
The Iron Lions Solar Car Team is a student-led group from Greenville High School dedicated to designing, building, and racing solar-powered vehicles. Since its inception in 2012, the team has participated in various competitions, including the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge in Australia.
What is the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge?
The Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge is an international event where teams from around the world compete by designing, building, and racing solar-powered vehicles across the Australian Outback. The challenge emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and engineering prowess, providing participants with a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.
What is the significance of the recognition at the Texas State Capitol?
The recognition at the Texas State Capitol is a formal acknowledgment of the Iron Lions’ achievements, highlighting their success in representing Texas on the global stage during the Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge.
Who are the instructors leading the Iron Lions?
The Iron Lions are led by instructors Joel Pitts, Lucas Kiowski, and George Kroncke, who guide the students in building and racing their solar-powered vehicle, Aurora.
What is Aurora?
Aurora is the solar-powered vehicle built by the Iron Lions Solar Car Team, representing the culmination of their engineering skills, teamwork, and dedication.
Key Features of the Iron Lions Solar Car Team
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Greenville High School |
| Inception | 2012 |
| Event | Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge |
| Vehicle | Aurora |
| Instructors | Joel Pitts, Lucas Kiowski, George Kroncke |
| Location of Recognition | Texas State Capitol |
| Date of Recognition | January 7, 2026 |
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