Students in kindergarten through eighth grade throughout our service territory shined brightly during the month of May as they were recognized for their submissions to the Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest and Innovation Challenge.

The annual contest gives students the opportunity to creatively showcase how they would save energy and help the environment and shines a light on education and sustainability tips.

From the large number of thoughtful entries, the panel of judges from PPL Electric Utilities and the National Energy Foundation selected 3 grand prize winners and 10 honorable mentions to be showcased online. The students also received prizes and parties for their classes. Additionally, program funds are reinvested into the classroom as a grant for the grand prize winner’s teacher.

Prior to the contest, students and teachers participated in an energy efficiency education presentation. Students used the lessons they learned, as well as their own ideas, to create their posters.

Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences Innovation Challenge winners

“I want to thank PPL Electric Utilities for the Think! Energy Innovation program that they have allowed the students to partake in,” says Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences teacher Greg Mazurek.

“It was a great opportunity for these young adults to educate and inform themselves about being energy efficient; I am immensely proud of their successes in this program. I also want to thank National Energy Foundation on behalf of the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, we appreciate their time and resources. Congratulations to the Innovation Challenge grand prize winners Kaitlyn W., Tegan O., and Josh P. Their incredible projects beat out competitors from over 60 other schools in the state. In addition, Danielle B. and Paige V. received honorable mentions for their work in this contest.”

We’re proud to partner with educators and to highlight local students who are inspired to work towards green living.

Below is a list of our poster contest winners for the 2021-22 contest season. You can also check out the featured poster entries. Congratulations to all the winners!

Grand Prize Winners
Ivy A. – Dunmore Elementary Center (pictured above with her brother, James, and teacher Michelle Walsh)
Mara W. – Twin Valley Middle School
Iccha B. – Springhouse Middle School

K-2nd Grade Honorable Mentions
Ethan W. – Schnecksville Elementary School
Brennan Y. – Schnecksville Elementary School
James A. – Dunmore Elementary Center

3rd-5th Grade Honorable Mentions
Penelope B. – St. John Vianney School
Alina B. – Dunmore Elementary Center
Riyan M. – Dunmore Elementary Center
Addisyn M. – Solomon Plains Elementary School

6th-8th Grade Honorable Mentions
Quinn P. – Executive Education Academy Charter School
Kenialys S. – Executive Education Academy Charter School
Nila R. – Springhouse Middle School