Sophomores at Midland School spent the last week getting muddy while installing an array of solar panels at the northeast end of the campus near Los Olivos.
The work, which will help power the school’s well and filtration system, was done as part of Experiential Week, held annually in February.
“The purpose of this week ... is that we take trips and do activities with entire classes that supplement our curriculum and our mission, with our students having experiences in the field rather than the classroom,” said Karen Ready, school administrator.
This was the first of five solar arrays that will be installed by sophomore classes in subsequent years, according to Ready, who noted that eventually the system will meet 100 percent of Midland’s electricity needs for pumping water.
“The idea is that we are setting an example to use what’s given naturally to change into power. We are slowly making a difference in the work,” said student Phoebe Stokes.
The solar-panel system was purchased through Santa Ynez Valley Solar, owned by Gary Gordon, and he donated his time to help guide the students through the installation process. The array was placed near the school’s soccer field, facing southeast at a 20-degree angle to catch as much of the summer sun as possible, Gordon said.
“By having the students work together, it gives them a taste of how their efforts will be used in the future,” Gordon said.
Student Jack Marcus explained that his classmates dug 10 holes — each three feet down — and secured metal pipes with cement to hold up the arrays.
“It was difficult to dig the holes because of the recent rain, we had to drain the field first, but it’s fun getting to work in the mud,” Marcus said.
Midland already has solar panels in place near the administration building, which power the cafeteria, library and administration.
“This project actually lets us kids install the solar arrays, and we will have something to be proud of for the next 50 or so years. It’s a great feeling to be making a difference, even as teenagers,” Marcus said.
The other classes are doing a variety of projects. The seniors are working towards their Senior Theses by selecting a field they would like to know more about for a one-week apprenticeship. Each junior partakes in a two-week homestay with individual families in Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico.
After learning the basics of camera operation, freshman are required to design simple pin-hole cameras out of black foam core, and are taking photos that represent their idea of home. To augment their work, they are doing a substantial amount of writing, and they will produce both visual and written pieces.
Midland School is a coeducational, college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12 on a 2,860-acre working ranch just outside of Los Olivos.
For more information on Midland log onto www.midland-school.org.
