Trettel earns awards at International Science Fair

New Prague Area Schools freshman Stephen Trettel stands with his exhibit at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona.

The sky is truly the limit for New Prague Area Schools freshman Stephen Trettel. Trettel, only 15, recently got back from the 56th Annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. He earned his spot among the 1,400 entrants via the District Science Fair in Mankato. He had to go that route because New Prague High School does not have a science fair. Trettel made the most of his chance in Phoenix, and earned a "Grand Award" of $500 in physics for his project: "Propellantless Propulsion: The effect of electrode geometry on the thrust output of an asymmetrical capacitor". He also earned one of eight awards handed out by United Technologies Corporation. That award included $2,000 in common stock, a plaque, pen and the United Technologies Corporation Annual Report. He was one of eight recipients of the award as well as the youngest. New Prague Area Schools sophomore Carl Turner also advanced to the International Science Fair as an alternate.