June, 2007, Montgomery, IL—Benetech, Inc. stepped in to help a physics teacher and seven students from Hinsdale Central High School finish a rocket challenge project and earn their way to national competition.

Ron Pircon, President and CEO of Benetech, Inc., read about the stalled status of the project in the local Hinsdale paper. The high school team members—Dan Pencak, Joel Matey, Mike Downs, Alex Labun, Mike Novak, Mike Nanaji, and Kyle Willson—and their physics teacher, Jim Vetrone, had gone through several prototypes of the rocket, but ran out of funds before they could perfect the final product.

“I was impressed with the tenacity and dedication these students showed, and wanted to be part of a support system for this type of character building,” said Mr. Pircon. “I’m very excited that I was able to contribute to the development of the future engineers of America.”

The team spent many hours and their own personal funds to build the rockets. After three failed attempts, the fourth rocket they built soared 851 feet in the air for 48 seconds. This successful result earned them a 6th place finish out of 670 schools nationwide.

Unfortunately, the rocket that earned them the right to attend the national competition was accidentally broken, and the team had no more funds to recreate it. That’s when Benetech stepped in with a donation which allowed the team to build two new rockets and the engines to launch them.

The Hinsdale Central team went on to place 44th out of the top 100 teams.

Benetech, Inc., established in 1983, is a full-service coal yard solutions provider to the coal-fired power generation industry. Benetech works closely with utility plants to recommend and develop ways to reduce Operations and Maintenance costs, while providing a full-range of products and services relating to the safe storage, transfer and processing of coal.

The Hinsdale Central HIgh School rocket club members, sponsored by Benetech, Inc., make it to national competition: Back row, left to right; Joel Matey, Kyle Willson, Alex Labun, Mike Downs. Front row, left to right; Dan Pencak, Mike Nanaji. Missing: Mike Novak.

Back to News