More than 500 students across the region put their creativity to work in this year’s Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest and the Think! Energy Innovation Challenge, presented by PPL Electric Utilities. From colorful posters to inventive project submissions, students shared practical ways their communities can conserve energy and protect the environment.

Participants in both contests were students whose classes took part in hands‑on energy efficiency presentations. This year’s poster themes included recycling, reducing wasted electricity, choosing efficient lighting, the benefits of solar power, and simple everyday actions families can take at home.

Young creators from K–8 lead the way

Students in kindergarten through 8th grade submitted hundreds of posters to the Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest. The artwork highlighted students’ understanding of sustainability while also capturing their enthusiasm for conservation.

Grand prize winners earned a $100 gift card, a $100 teacher grant, and a classroom pizza or ice cream party. Honorable mention recipients received a $25 gift card and a class celebration as well.

This year’s teachers emphasized the lasting impact of sustainability education.

“My students and I would like to thank you for not only honoring us with a great celebration, but also inspiring them to make a difference in the world through energy conservation,” said Stacey Bottley, 2nd grade teacher at Drums Elementary. “Your program makes a difference in the choices they make. It provides them with the knowledge and opportunities to think first about their everyday actions.”

High‑school students innovate for the future

The Think! Energy Innovation Challenge invited 9th–12th grade students to create videos or artwork promoting water and energy efficiency. Teams of up to four students participated, and judges selected both grand prize and honorable mention winners. Each winning team member received wireless headphones.

PPL Electric Utilities celebrates the 2026 winners

PPL Electric Utilities is proud to continue supporting classrooms, teachers, and student innovators through these annual contests. Find the full list of winners below and enjoy their artwork here.

Looking for ways to find energy savings at home? Explore our getting started guide.

Grades K–2

Grand Prize: Kaleesi (Ms. Stacey Bottley; Drums Elementary School)

Honorable Mentions: Julian (Ms. Kathleen Romanski; Moscow Elementary School), Emma (Ms. Stacey Bottley; Drums Elementary School)

Grades 3–5

Grand Prize: Millie (Ms. Amy Moran Herman; Blue Mountain Elementary West)

Honorable Mentions: Karleena (Ms. Jennifer Teti; Washington Elementary School), Charlotte (Ms. Jennifer Teti; Washington Elementary School)

Grades 6–8

Grand Prize: Shatkon (Mr. Josh Abrams; Springhouse Middle School)

Honorable Mentions: Annette (Mr. Josh Abrams; Springhouse Middle School), Vincent (Mr. Josh Abrams; Springhouse Middle School)

Grades 9-12

Grand Prize: Stella and Addisyn (Mr. Steve Shirmer; Susquenita High School)

Honorable Mentions: Gabriela (Ms. Johnna Towsey; Juanita High School), Jordan, Ari and Skylar (Ms. Kimberly Wilson, Souderton Area High School)