Weston Students eesmarts Finalists

Students Thomas Carlon, Annalise Kimura, Nicole Linell, Kaeli Mecca, and Nicole Sztachelski were honored as finalists in the 15th annual eesmarts student contest promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, and clean and renewable energy.

The students were challenged to develop a community-based project that addresses energy-related issues in the community.

Ms. Linell, Ms. Sztachelski, and Ms. Kimura received second place for their proposal to minimize the amount of wasted electricity at their high school. "By using electric timers, teachers are able to set their devices to a certain schedule that is customized to fit their needs. When they are done using the smart board it will automatically turn off, reducing the electricity being wasted," they wrote.

Mr. Carlon and Ms. Mecca took third place with a plan that urges the community to invest in hybrid or electric vehicles. "Promoting the use of electrically-powered vehicles and hybrid vehicles will safeguard our environment, lower our environmental footprint, work to stop the exploitation of energy use, and encourage sustainable means of transportation for all students and staff members," they wrote.

More than 300 students from 76 schools in 49 Connecticut towns submitted work for consideration. Thirty-five entries were selected as this year's winners. Each finalist received a certificate and an Amazon gift card.

Energize Connecticut's website has a video presentation congratulating winners and more information about the program.

The eesmarts program has been running for 15 years. It is hosted by Energize Connecticut, an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State of Connecticut, Eversource, United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas. Energize Connecticut is funded by a charge on customer energy bills.