Providence, R.I. – General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and Marion Gold, Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources today recognized six Rhode Island schools for the achievements in energy education programs. Three of the schools, Scituate High School, A-Venture Academy and Dr. Earl F. Calcutt Middle School, were selected as national winners by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) program.
"I am proud to see Rhode Island students achieving great success in energy education," Governor Gina M. Raimondo said. "As we work to move Rhode Island forward, it is important we are building the skills our students need to succeed in the 21st century economy. The NEED program gives students the chance to work together creatively to understand energy issues and address them in a practical way, which will prepare them for jobs in the future. Rhode Island will be well represented by our national winners in Washington, D.C. this year."
"I am pleased to recognize these schools for their achievements in advancing energy literacy and raising awareness of energy's role in our world," Treasurer Magaziner said. "The NEED program is a wonderful example of what is possible when students and teachers work together to tackle the greatest challenges facing our state. Our national winners are demonstrating that a healthy environment and strong economy go hand-in-hand, and their accomplishments serve as an example for others to follow."
The six schools participated in the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project – a network of schools, students, educators, and businesses that promotes energy education in more than 65,000 classrooms nationwide. Students who participate in NEED projects organize programs to educate their peers and communities on key energy issues, such as ways for community members to save money through energy efficiency and conservation measures.
Scituate High School was selected as National Senior School of the Year and Rhode Island Senior School of the Year, each for the second consecutive year, Dr. Earl F. Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls was selected as National Junior School of the Year and Rhode Island Junior School of the Year and A-Venture Academy in Providence was selected as National Special Project Rookie of the Year and Rhode Island Honorable Mention.
In addition to the national winners, Park View Middle School in Cranston was selected as Rhode Island Junior Runner Up, John F. Deering Middle School in West Warwick was selected as Rhode Island Rookie of the Year and Western Coventry Elementary School was selected as Rhode Island Elementary School of the Year.
"We are fortunate to have so many passionate and dedicated teachers and students in the NEED program," Commissioner Gold said. "All six schools have demonstrated a commitment to energy literacy and I am pleased to recognize them here today. Congratulations to all teachers and students that participated this year and a special congratulations to Scituate High School, A-Venture Academy and Calcutt Middle School, that all of whom will be representing Rhode Island at our nation's capital."
"The NEED Project's goal of engaging students and teachers in exploring all there is to learn about energy is happening in a big way in Rhode Island," Mary Spruill, NEED Executive Director said. "Thanks to the support of the Office of Energy Resources, Rhode Island students understand energy in all its forms, they find ways to make energy more efficient, and they teach others about it. The students and teachers recognized at the Rhode Island Energy Awards are a testament to what can happen when teachers and students are engaged, supported, and learning about something important to their daily lives."
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, a division within the Rhode Island Department of Administration works closely with private and public stakeholders to increase the reliability and security of our energy supply, reduce energy costs and mitigate against price volatility, and improve environmental quality.
The NEED Project is a nonprofit organization with programs in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and several other nations. NEED has developed innovative materials and implemented programs that not only teach about energy, but also develop leadership and critical thinking skills. NEED's Kids Teaching Kids philosophy encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and that of others. NEED is sponsored by both renewable and nonrenewable energy companies, federal, state and local agencies, energy consumers, as well as national and state energy and education associations.