Solar Energy Study Generates Weller Foundation Scholarship for Masuk Senior

Solar panels installed on the roofs of Monroe's public schools could generate power and savings for the district, and Masuk senior Michael Brown wrote a 35-page analysis on just how much. The study, entitled, "The Solar Panel Plethora: A Sunny Way to Brighten Our Schools," earned him a $12,000 scholarship from the Barton L. Weller Foundation.

Brown was recognized as the winner at a dinner held at Fairfield University on May 2. The Weller Foundation awards a scholarship to either a Masuk, Trumbull, Barlow, Shelton or Newtown high school senior every year.

Brown's solar energy proposal was chosen among ideas submitted by five finalists.

"It was great. It was fantastic," he said Monday. "It was really a ton of effort and hard work and I'm grateful for some of the help from the community."

Financial information assisted him in his cost analysis study. "Bits and pieces to fit the puzzle together," Brown said of statistics people provided.

Brown, who plays on the Masuk volleyball team, plans to major in civil engineering at the University of Virginia next fall.

Board of Education Chairman Darrell Trump praised Brown for his accomplishment at the beginning of the board's meeting at Masuk Monday night.