SAGINAW — For most students, summer is a time to slow down. But for three siblings at Saginaw United High School, this summer has been all about speeding up — in all the right ways.
Triplets Tyri, Tyrease, and Kahlease Watson spent part of their summer building, innovating, and representing Saginaw on a statewide stage through the Saginaw STEM Solar Car Team.
Alongside classmate Stephanie Baker and students from across the region, the Watsons participated in a four-day, student-led journey from Detroit to Michigan Technological University — driving a solar-powered car designed and built entirely by students.
“Before we were into STEM, our dad got us into building mini bikes,” said Tyri Watson.
That early spark ignited something bigger. The trio now runs TNT Motorsports, their passion project where they fix and build mini bikes inside what used to be their mom’s “she shed.”
When they first showed interest in STEM, the triplets made one thing clear — they come as a package deal.
"We come in a pack,” joked Kahlease Watson.
At first, Kahlease wasn’t sure how she fit into the STEM world. But she soon realized STEM opens many doors — and creativity is one of them. Now she manages media for the team, blending her love for photography and design through graphic arts classes at the Saginaw Career Complex.
The Watsons were part of a larger cohort of high school students, middle school mentees, and college-aged mentors who represented Saginaw in the Electric Solar Car Expedition — a high-impact journey and partnership between Saginaw STEM and The Heroes’ Alliance.
The expedition ran July 17–20, with stops in Detroit, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, Traverse City, Mackinaw City, and Marquette before ending in Houghton.
More than just a mode of transportation, the solar car is a symbol — a rolling testament to what young people can accomplish when given the tools, the trust, and the space to lead.
The team has already earned two national championships, and this year’s expedition helped launch a statewide campaign to bring a national solar car race to Michigan in 2026.
For these students, it’s not just about where they’re going — it’s about the journey, the innovation, and the pride they carry from where they started.