I've set up the project like the X-Prize, but with different categories.

1) move 10kg cargo a distance of 10m as quickly as possible (probably need to lower the mass)
2) race to 100m (almost) straight up (fastest time wins, not head-to-head) (probably need to lower it to 25 or 50m)
3) obstacle course IF we can figure out control issues
4) fastest combined time wins the 'all-around' competition.

Is this asking too much for one craft to do? too much to ask high school kids to do?
Some of these kids have never been challenged and held accountable for anything. I'm hoping that challenging them with something that appears impossible in their eyes and dragging them (if need be) through the process to show them they can do it. By putting them in teams where other people are helping with the work and are depending on them will help steer at least one student away from the Dark Side.

Sorry, this isn't the place for that kind of stuff, but it feels better having put it out there.