Lyman, Strong Students Take Top Prizes in Energy Contest

Two local students were among 30 winners of a statewide student contest designed to showcase students' "energy smarts."

John Lyman Elementary School third grader Thomas Kannam earned first place while Strong Middle School eighth grader Rowan O'Connell took home third place in the 9th annual eesmarts student contest.

More than 1,000 students from across Connecticut entered the contest. The winners were honored during a ceremony held in the Old Judiciary Room at the Capitol on Tuesday, June 11.

“You don’t have to be an adult to understand the importance of energy efficiency,” said Katie Dykes, Deputy Commissioner of Energy for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). “The eesmartsprogram and annual Student Contest plays an important role in helping students from kindergarten all the way through high school learn and appreciate the importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy, positioning them for a lifetime of environmentally-conscious thinking.”

First prize winners received an iPad and second prize winners received a Kindle Fire. Third place winners received a $25 dollar gift card to Amazon, along with a season pass for their family to a science museum.

The contest is sponsored by Energize Connecticut, The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, Connecticut Light & Power and the United Illuminating Company, and designed to engage students in energy efficient and renewable energy technology.

The following is the public service announcement on renewable energy submitted by Rowan O'Connell of Durham:

Did you know that renewable energy accounts for only fourteen percent of the United States power each year? This number is already on the rise and you can help to raise this percentage even further. Because of the world’s growing population, fossil fuel is in demand more than ever before. Renewable energy and a sustainable lifestyle can play a big role in rescuing our planet. More and more Americans are using solar and wind energy to power their homes and businesses each year. You can make a difference by considering solar panels for your house. Many local governments are providing rebate programs to make renewable energy more affordable. In addition, you can ask your town to explore solar options for lighting and traffic signs. Make sure to spread the word within your community about ways to improve energy efficiency. Together we can make a difference in transforming the Earth in hopes of a better future.

Winners

Kindergarten

First: Megan Emerson, St. Martha School, Enfield

Second: Zoe Miller, St. Peter/St. Francis School, Torrington

Third: Lauren Kosha, St. Peter/St. Francis School, Torrington

First Grade

First: Salma Farid, Salma K. Farid Academy, Hamden

Second: Alexis Mastrangelo, St. Martha School, Enfield

Third: Harold Banigas, Maria Sanchez Elementary School, Hartford

Second Grade

First: Yash Bhandari, Newfield Elementary School, Stamford

Second: Margo Katz, Mary T. Murphy Elementary School, Branford

Third: Emma Lee, St. Martha School, Enfield

Third Grade

First: Thomas Kannam, John Lyman Elementary School, Middlefield

Second: Karina McMahon, Burr Elementary School, Fairfield

Third: Nathan Ertl, Marvin Elementary, Norwalk

Fourth Grade

First: Indro Cavanna, Worthington Hooker School, New Haven

Second: Anna Patterson, Stratfield School, Fairfield

Third: Eleanor L. Bryda, St. Anthony’s School, Winsted

Fifth Grade

First: Gianna Benni, Walsh Intermediate, Branford

Second: Emma Gallagher, Walsh Intermediate, Branford

Third: Olivia Katherine Wong, Perry Hill School, Shelton

Sixth Grade

First: Sarah Lewis, King Philip Middle School, West Hartford

Second: Andrew Bean, Wells Road Intermediate, Granby

Third: Lindsay Courser, Wells Road Intermediate, Granby

Seventh Grade

First: Ashlinn Virgulto, Walter C. Polson Middle School, Madison

Second: Imani Shortz, John Winthrop Middle School, Deep River

Third: Michael McMahon, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield

Eighth Grade

First: Joseph Bechard & Artur Zielinski, Sacred Heart School, New Britain

Second: Alora Foster, St. Peter/St. Francis School, Torrington

Third: Rowan O’Connell, Frank W. Strong Middle School, Durham

Honorable Mention: Conor Jones, Roger Ludlowe Middle School, Fairfield

High School: Grades 9-12 (Power of Change winners)

First: Anaid Enriquez, West Haven High School, West Haven

Second: Vanessa Brown, West Haven High School, West Haven

Third: Anuj Sisodiya, Trumbull High School, Trumbull