SARASOTA - Colin Coon, an 18-year old senior at New Gate School in Sarasota, FL, is about to embark on this senior project, an 8500+ mile, cross-country road trip in a car that he has converted to run on vegetable oil. He departs on February 28 with a planned return on April 18th. The purpose is to bring attention to the use of alternative energy sources.
"I've been planning this project since last April," Coon recalled. "I want people to know we don't have to use fossil fuels. Used vegetable oil is cleaner and readily available. I want to show America that if an 18-year old kid like me can do it, anyone can."
After getting the over-whelming support of New Gate School to pursue the project, Coon has worked diligently for almost a year to make it happen. In Kansas, he located and purchased a 1980 Mercedes station wagon, which he has converted to run on vegetable oil. He has mapped out a route that is estimated to take six weeks of travel time. The approximate 8500-mile journey begins in Sarasota, proceeds north and then west, taking him through Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte NC, Williamsburg VA, Baltimore, Reading PA, Dayton OH, Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, Ft. Collins CO, Salt Lake City, Reno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque NM, Dallas, Huntsville AL, Gainesville and then back to Sarasota. Coon hopes to drive 400 miles per fillup.
He has raised $6000, and estimates the costs will be approximately $8500. Sponsors include Dr. Andrew Marlowe, Theme Park Review, Carpet Mill Direct Sales, The Alvarez Family, Greasecar Vegetable Oil Fuel Systems and New Gate School. He has contacted many small restaurants along his route who have agreed to donate the oil. Friends and family will accompany him along various parts of his journey.
"Colin's project exemplifies what a New Gate School education is all about," remarked Paul Wenninger, head of school. "A strong academic experience is limited without some real-world feedback. Our goal is to launch students with some authentic and meaningful experiences in projects and project management. Through creative, thought-provoking projects like Colin's, kids get excited about learning which is so much more than preparing to pass a test. At New Gate, students play a big part in creating their own experiences and pursuing what intrigues and excites them."
To find out more and to follow Colin's journey, visit his website, www.colinsgreenmachine.com. He will be keeping a blog along the way. A link to his Facebook page is also available through his website.
"I hope everyone will tell their friends and family about my trip and that the word will spread," Coon replied. "Friends who I'll be visiting have asked me to speak in schools in Indianapolis and San Francisco. I'm very excited to have as many people learn about my adventure as possible. We need to change the way we live and I want to set an example for thinking in a new way."
New Gate School offers the area's only Montessori-based program where children can begin as early as 18 months and continue throughout their secondary school education. New Gate's Montessori secondary school program is one of just six in the country. The school's unique, supportive classroom and campus setting provides a comfortable environment that is designed to help bring out the best in every child. Its mission is to "cultivate a love of life."
For more information on New Gate School, visit the website at www.newgate.edu, or contact Paul Wenninger, head of school at 941-922-4949 or email pwenninger@newgate.edu.
