Winsted eighth grade student Eliana Bouchard was honored last week as a finalist at the 13th annual eesmarts™ Student Contest ceremony held at the State Capitol.
Presented by Energize Connecticut in partnership with Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, the eesmarts Student Contest invites Connecticut students in grades K-12 and college to create projects about energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability. Eliana’s public service announcement script for Connecticut’s “Wait Til 8” campaign was awarded 3rd place in the Grade 8 category. Her lively script concisely communicates that using major appliances during peak hours drives energy costs up. Eliana provides tips for saving energy such as “turn off the oven when you are done using it” and “upgrade to energy-saving lights.” She explains that peak hours are between noon and 8 p.m. on weekdays, so to save money and energy she encourages everyone to “Wait Til 8”.
The ceremony attracted more than 150 students, parents, teachers, elected officials, and clean energy supporters from across the state in celebration of the students’ hard work. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Mary Sotos was the keynote speaker for the event, and FOX 61 meteorologist Joe Furey served as Master of Ceremonies.
Please click here for more information on the student contest and the eesmarts program.
Winsted student Eliana Bouchard (front, middle), pictured with other 8th grade finalists, Ron Araujo, Eversource, Mary Sotos, DEEP Deputy Commissioner, State Representative Jay Case and Pat McDonnell, United Illuminating, received 3rd place for her persuasive essay at the 7th annual eesmarts Student Contest award ceremony held on June 3, 2017 at the State Capitol.