East High School Dominates Engineering Competition

Rockford- Nearly 150 students competed in today's bridge building contest.

The competition was held at Rock Valley College's Stenstrom Center. Dozens of Northern Illinois high school teams have been preparing in their science classes for today. Their task was to design a bridge out of wood sticks that structurally held the most weight.

A team of Rockford's East High School seniors took home top prize. A separate East High School team claimed second place. Guilford High School came in third place.

It's all part of national engineering week. Professor and Chairman of NIU Department of Technology Dr. Cliff Mirman says it's crucial to get local students interested in the subject at an early age.

Dr. Mirman says "the country needs engineers badly. We need designers we need electrical, mechanical engineers. We need to get technical students out to companies. They're in need."

Winners took home plaques, sweatshirts and a $500 dollar cash prize for their high school's science department.