Orange Kindergartner's 'Energy Smarts' Wins Award

Matthew McLeod may only be in kindergarten but his energy smarts earned him an honorable mention in the eighth annual "eesmarts" student contest presented by The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.

The contest gave Connecticut students the opportunity to showcase their “energy smarts” by answering grade level-specific prompts regarding energy efficient and renewable energy technologies and sustainability through various media forms, including poems, songs, news articles, essays, artwork/posters, and television commercials.

The Fund, in partnership with The Connecticut Light & Power Company and The United Illuminating Company, announced the winners during a ceremony at the Connecticut State Capitol. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Dan Esty, and Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund First Vice-Chairman Richard W. Steeves were on hand to congratulate the winners, and WFSB Channel 3 Meteorologist Mark Dixon served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

“Energy efficiency is a central focus of the energy agenda being set by Governor Malloy because of the tremendous cost savings it makes possible for homeowners and businesses all across our state,” Esty said. “The eesmarts statewide initiative for students K-12 plays an important part in building greater awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and in stimulating the thinking of young people, who, after all, will be the key to developing the energy solutions of the future.” 

First prize winners received an iPad and second prize winners received a Kindle.  Third place winners received a season pass for their immediate family to a science museum partner of the Energy Efficiency Fund, which includes the choice of The Connecticut Science Center (Hartford), The Discovery Museum (Bridgeport), and Stepping Stones Museum for Children (Norwalk). Fourth Place and Honorable Mention winners like McLeod received Amazon gift cards.

McLeod attends the in Orange.