Darmell Bailey, 16, joined the West Philly Hybrid X Team this summer when he was part of the Green Technology Institute. He begins his Sophmore year at the Auto Academy after spending his first year of high school in the Urban Studies Academy. "I decided to come Auto to learn more about cars and how they function." Darmell's career aspirations are to be an automotive mechanic and a computer engineer. He plans to use the next three years to improve his skills in both areas.

Alexis Bland, a sophomore is 15 and joined the West Philly Hybrid X Team to get more hands-on experience. This is her second year at the Auto Academy and her second in ROTC. As a new Team member, she hopes to learn a lot of stuff do a lot of fun things and win the Progressive Automotive X Prize. In addition, “I want to be able to change my own brakes, when I get a car,” she said.)

Karysma Cambridge is a new member of the West Philly Hybrid X Team. A native of West Philadelphia, Ms. Cambridge was at Sayre High School until the middle of last year. She begins at the Auto Academy as a Junior. She loves cars including BMW, Jaguar and the Dodge Charger. Of course, she says, “The Automotive X Prize is cool. Building cars is what I want to do.” When she is not building cars, Karysma loves shopping, especially for clothes and jewelry.

Justin Carter is a senior at the West Philadelphia High School Automotive Academy. He has been with the EVX Team for two years. While Justin spends most of his time working on the project cars, he is a great speaker. He has become an integral part of the speech writing group for the West Philly Hybrid X Team. During this summer’s Green Technology Institute he worked on both Team podcasts. He is looking to complete a successful senior year and enter college in the fall of 2010.

Roger Churchville, 16, is in the 11th grade and is a member of the West Philly Hybrid X Team. Roger was recruited to the Team because of his artistic abilities. "I like mechanics, but I joined the Team because I get to be creative. I want to express my ideas to people. I’m the best at what I do," Roger explained. Art, music and mechanics will be a good combination for the Hybrid X Team. This summer Roger was part of the Green Technology Institute and helped create the Green Jobs podcast.

Justin Clarke, 18 is a junior in the Auto Academy.  A native of Trinidad and Tobago, he came to West Philly High last year by way of Brooklyn, NY. Mr. DiLossi convinced him to join the team. “I was getting in a lot of trouble. Mr. DiLossi told me if I didn’t join the team, I’d get kicked out of Auto,” said Justin.  It is lucky for the team that Justin heeded Mr. D’s advice.  Justin worked after school every day and every Saturday in January on the GT build.  He likes learning about cars, fixing cars and getting dirty. He’s looking forward to winning the X PRIZE.

Ann Cohen serves as the Manager of the EVX Team. She recently retired from a long career as an AFSCME Union President representing City of Philadelphia employees. In her capacity with the Union, Cohen spearheaded the successful Joint AFSCME and City of Philadelphia Internship and Apprenticeship Program that, since 1994, has worked with scores of high school students. The Apprenticeship Program has moved over fifty (50) high school students into full time city employment in the Office of Fleet Management. She also served as a long time member of the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Academies, Inc. She continues as the Chairperson of the Occupational Advisory Board at the West Philadelphia Auto Academy. Prior to her involvement with PAI, she built the first passive solar house in the city of Philadelphia. She continues her support of AAME and her commitment to the environment as part of the West Philly Hybrid X Team.

Anita Davidson is in her third year as a member of the West Philly Hybrid X Team. She graduated high school in June and is now attending George Washington University. She works with the PR Team In 2008, she worked with the infrastructure group on the Ford Model T Challenge. She was part of the 2009 Green Technology Institute where she was responsible for writitng and editing the Marketing podcast. She has a strong commitment to environmental causes, which led her to participate in the Sierra Student Coalition's environmental organizing training program. At her college, she has been asked to cover the Team's activities by blogging and through video.

Jerry DiLossi joined the staff at AAME this September and has become an active member of the EVX Team. Jerry's career with the Philadelphia School District began in 1973 when he began work as and Automotive Mechanic, where he became the District's youngest Master Bus Mechanic. Jerry moved from the shop floor to the classroom, where he has taught automotive technology for the last 28 years. He is involved in the PAXP becasue it is an exciting program and he likes to help students and to work on vehicles.

Mrs. Ruth Donnelly joined the West Philly Hybrid X Team in September 2009. She is assigned to the Automotive Academy as the Auto Career Tech Ed Specialist. “I bring little knowledge of cars,” says Mrs. Donnelly, “But I love working with kids.” She has worked for the Philadelphia School District for 15 years, most recently at Swenson Arts and Technical High School where she worked with special education students. She is a huge asset for the Automotive Program and the Team, helping out wherever and whenever she is needed. Mrs. Donnelly is also a founding member and Board Member of Mothers In Charge, a Philadelphia anti-violence program.

Sowande Gay is an 11th grade student who brings a passion for cars and exceptional mechanical skills to the Team. "Being on the Team is a tremendous educational opportunity, as well as an opportunity to dramatically impact life in the community," Sowande said.

Diamond Gibson is in 10th grade and 15 years old.  He likes being on the team because it is a great place to work with other people.  “Mr. DiLossi told me to join the team because he saw that I was doing a lot of work in his class. He also told me that being on the Team would be a good way to get my life together," Diamond explained. The West Philly Hybrid X Team welcomes Diamond to his first year’s activities.

Michael Glover is a junior at West Philadelphia High School Automotive Academy.  This is the first year Michael is apart of the West Philly Hybrid X Team.  He is a hardworking student in all of his classes.  He is a dedicated young man who is very interested in fast cars and playing football.  For the West Philly Speedboys, Michael plays offensive left tackle, one of the most important positions in the game.  Michael plans to go to college and play football.

Stefon Gonzalez loves cars. He is a sophomore on the EVX team. He is a key member of the mechanical team because that is what he does best, although he is frequently called upon to write for the Team. The automotive industry runs through his family which has contributed to his extensive knowledge of cars. Outside of school, he has plenty of hands on activities with friends and family with cars. He reads and watches anything to do with cars. He loves the sight, sound and smell of burning rubber, whenever a car races away from a stop, even though it is not the envrionmentally correct thing to like.

Calvin Harrington, is finishing his final high school credits this fall. This is Calvin's fourth year on the Team. During his junior year, he was an Intern at Maaco where he was able to enhance his skills as an auto body technician. "I love to make cars beautiful." says Calvin. After graduation, Calvin would like to attend technical school and ultimately become a automotive professional.

Sakira Harris, graduated from the Auto Academy in June after two years as a member of the EVX Team. In the summer of 2008, she worked on infrastructure issues for the Ford Model T Challenge. She also participated in the Sierra Student Coalition's environmental organizing training. Sakira is in the process of applying to college. Her interests, besides building a winning car for the PIAXP include cooking, art and outdoor activities. Sakira is veteran of the Auto Academy's Outward Bound Program.

Simon Hauger has a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and Masters of Science in Instruction from Drexel University. In 1998, he began the Automotive Academy’s innovative Electric Vehicle Program where he has lead students in designing, building and competing with Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs). He has developed a network of partnerships to support this work. The team and the vehicles they create continue to attract unprecedented attention. The Progressive Automotive X Prize allows Simon to take his students onto an international stage where they will have a real voice in the most important discussions of our times. Simon and his wife are parents to three terrific children. He drives a super fast biodiesel VW Jetta which he built with his students. He loves his family and his car.

Curtis Henderson is a 16 year old 11^th grade student at the Auto Academy.  In his third year at Auto, Curtis joined the EVX Team in September to learn more about cars – especially hybrids – and to participate in all the Team’s activities including research, speaking and travel. He also hopes that his experience on the Team will enable him to fix his own car in the future.

Azeem Hill, a junior, is 16 years old and a Co-Captain of the West Philly Hybrid X Team. He views his involvement on the West Philly Hybrid X Team as a pathway to success for himself and the broader community. "Our Team's work will bring positive attention to the things that are happening at the Auto Academy and at West Philly High," Azeem explained. Mr. Hill is a member of the PR Team and is frequently called upon to speak on behalf of the Team. This summer, Azeem participated in Adventures of the Mind, a mentoring program for outstanding high school students. In September he was a panelist at the Annual Leadership Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus. Azeem is also an active member of the Philadelphia Student Union.

Jerry started working with the West Philly Hybrid X Team in the fall of 2008 as a Drexel Co-op student where he was responsible for designing the control system for our competition vehicles. In June, Jerry will graduate from Drexel University with both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. He will remain with the team up for the duration of the X PRIZE. Jerry’s favorite part about working with the team is the freedom. “The team is open to all ideas and there are no boundaries in my ability to help.”

Lawrence Jones-Mahoney, 19, of Southwest Philadelphia graduated from the Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering in June 2008. He is now in his second year at Drexel University as a Business Administration major, concentrating in Marketing. As of September 2009, he is at his co-op, a non-profit organization called the Philadelphia Children's Foundation. He is doing marketing and networking with schools across the city to help students access resources. Lawrence has been on the EV team from 10th to 12th grade and was the captain in his senior year. He has participated in the Tour de Sol and last summer was part of the Ford Model T Challenge. On participating in the X Prize, Jones-Mahoney says, “We have done so much with the K-1 Attack in terms of building a cool environmentally advanced car. The X Prize is the next logical step. It is hard to understand that if high school students can do this, why can’t the major car companies?”

Sekou Kamara was born in Newark, NJ where he lived until he was 6. “I am following in my father’s footsteps, pursuing an interest in motor vehicles", he said. Sekou started attending West Auto at the age of 15 in the 9th grade. He is currently in the 12th grade and works with the EVX Web Team, as well as being a truly reliable wrench. He was part of the 2008 Ford Model T Challenge. This summer he was a paid intern for the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, where he worked on the rail side. He likes playing football, as well as working on cars.

Keith Sevcik, who serves as the EVX Team Chief Research Engineer, just received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University. He had previously earned BS degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, and a Masters in mechanical engineering, all from Drexel. Keith began his work with the team during the summer of 2008 with the Ford Model T Challenge. His extensive work with high school robotics teams made him the perfect candidate. When asked why he has stayed working with the team ever since, Keith answered, “This is the most sophisticated and well run program I have ever worked with. The team is really on to something.” Keith’s future plans include post doctoral work, teaching and inter-galactic exploration.

Daniel Moore rejoined the EVX Team in October. He is 16, in the 11^th grade and loves cars. The Saleen, the Dodge Charger, are examples of the fast cars that he really likes. In school math and auto are his favorite subjects. His goal for this year? “I want to see both X Prize cars running,”  Daniel said.  “Actually, I want a win. Nothing else.”

Wagui Ndiaye begins his second year at Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering as a 10^th grader. Wagui, has been in the US for about 15 months. He is 16 years old and was born in Senegal. He joined the EVX Team because he likes cars and hopes to study mechanics in college.  He is fluent in French, English and another Senegalese language.  At the Auto Academy he is studying Spanish.  The Team is really interested in hearing Wagui speak car.

Ron Preiss is an ASE certified technician who has taught at AAME for seven years and has worked with the EV Team for the last six years. Ron has over twenty years experience in the private sector including franchise management. This year Ron assumes the role of School Sponsor and Team Coordinator of the EVX Team. Ron views the activies of the EVX Team as the future of the automotive industry. "My work with the Team keeps me and my students current with emerging technologies," said Preiss.

Jeremy is the owner of Ezodesign and designed this website. He graduated in 2002 from Georgia State University with a degree in International Affairs, and has been working professionally in the technology, design, and non-profit sectors for the past 16 years. Jeremy has developed web applications and user interfaces for several Fortune 500 companies and designs for small to medium size businesses and non-profit organizations. Jeremy is married to his beautiful wife, Karene, and lives in Bensalem, PA.

Kathleen “Ms. R.” Radebaugh is in her second year of teaching at the West Philadelphia High School Auto Academy. She is a 2008 graduate of St. Joseph’s University where she served as sports editor for the University paper and a member of the rowing team. This is Ms. R’s second year on the Hybrid X Team. Her role is to help students with public relations, including, blogging, letter writing and speaking. She is also the Team’s environmental coordinator. She has worked extensively with the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and will be helping finalize presentations for the Team to present to middle school students.

Khaleda Sharif joined the team in 2008. She served as a key infrastructure researcher in the Ford Model T Challenge and starred in the Team's Green Jobs podcast this summer. She enjoys being in the Auto Academy, even though she hopes someday to be a doctor. "I like the way the teachers explain everything," Khaleda said. She really likes learning about hybrid and electrical technology. As one part of her senior project, Khaleda will be blogging about our experiences in the Progressive Automotive X Prize. Khaleda is 18 and in 12th grade. A member of the Honor Society, Khaleda is looking forward to entering college in September 2010. She came to West Philadelphia from Bangladesh in 2000.

Momo Shen is her second year as a member of the EVX Team. She is a 17 year old 12th grader who loves to build cars in Mr. Preiss' class. She also serves as a writer for the PR Team. In addition, as part of her senior project, she will be blogging about the Team's activities this year. She is now a West Philadelphia resident who came to the United States two years ago from China.

Rameak Taylor,18, of West Philadelphia graduated from the Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering in June and is attending Alvernia College in Reading, PA. Rameak has been on the EVX Team for the past two years. He was part of the 2008 Ford Model T Challenge, where he was on the Mechanical Team and the 2009 Green Technology Institute at the Academy. Rameak played varsity basketball for West Philadelphia High School for two seasons and is now looking to play college basketball. Rameak's interests include sports, business, fashion, and parties.

Jacques Wells, Co-Captain of the West Philly Hybrid X Team, was born in North Philadelphia and quickly took an interest in motor vehicles. Jacques currently attends the West Philadelphia High School Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering as a senior. Mr. Wells is also employed part time by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Fleet Management where he works with senior Automotive Technicians maintaining a variety of vehicles, including a fleet for Hybrid Ford Escapes. He also helped design the West Philly Hybrid X Team website and continues to contribute to it. His extraordinary combination of mechanical and academic skills should make his current college application process go smoothly. This summer, Jacques participated in Adventures of the Mind, a mentoring program for outstanding high school students.

Justin West is a fourth year student at the Auto Academy and has been a member of the team for 3 years. "I joined the EV Team because I love cars.” Justin is a also a video gamer, who is putting his computer skills to work on the Web Committee. He also enjoys football and hanging out with friends. In the 2008 Ford Model T Challenge, Justin was charged with researching and writing about aerodynamics.

Samantha Wright, 19, of North Philadelphia graduated from AAME in June 2008 and is now enrolled at Clarion University. Wright worked with the Team in 2008 on the Ford Model T Challenge, where she designed infrastructure solutions to support an all electric vehicle. In teh summer of 2009, she returned to be part of the Green Technology Institute, where she worked on the project vehicles and organized a timetable of competition events.