Sierra Canyon School students showcased exceptional engineering skills at the highly competitive 2025 Los Angeles Regional High School Bridge Building Contest.
The event, hosted by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and the Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), challenges students to design and build model bridges that maximize strength and efficiency. Sierra Canyon students claimed four of the top six positions in the contest's efficiency rankings:
- 1st Place: Zach L. '26 – 3,528.58
- 2nd Place: Ryley B. '25 – 3,309.07
- 4th Place: Matt S. '25 – 2,949.84
- 6th Place: Nic P. '26 – 2,464.29
In this competition, a bridge's efficiency is calculated by dividing the maximum weight it can hold by its own weight. Zach's bridge held over 3,500 times its weight—a remarkable engineering feat. That level of efficiency is comparable to a 100-pound person supporting more than 175 tons.
As the top overall finisher, Zach, along with Upper School Engineering teacher Matthew Silvia, has been selected by ASCE to represent the Los Angeles region at the 2025 International Bridge Building Contest. The competition will be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
"This competition is about more than just building a bridge," said Mr. Silvia. "It is about problem-solving, persistence, and learning how to test and refine your ideas. I could not be prouder of what our students accomplished."
Sierra Canyon is committed to providing an empowering environment in which students are equipped to excel on the international stage. This commitment is reflected in the strength of our STEM program and the drive, resilience, and curiosity our students bring to every pursuit.
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