06/05/2024
Chandler's School Wins $25,000 Grant Through TVA School Uplift Program
The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Thursday that Chandler’s School has been selected to win a $25,000 Learning Environment Grant through the TVA EnergyRight School Uplift program and partnership with Pennyrile Rural Electric Company.
School Uplift is a year-long energy management training program that helps public schools make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use.
At Chandler’s, School Uplift is led by students on the school’s Energy Team: Ava Mayes, Oliver Gripshover, McKenzie Weaver Kaidyn Holloway, Caylee Stranger, Emma Stranger, Kyndal Stratton, Memphis Hyde, Jack Fultz, Braxton Haley, and Daniel O'Neal. They are supported by the school sponsor/Energy Champion teacher Marty White, Local Energy Partner Mike Oglesby from Pennyrile Rural Electric, Energy Coach Whitney Stewart from TVA, and their school community.
“I’m so grateful for the Energy Team,” said seventh grader Kyndal Stratton. “It really feels more like a family because we get to work together and have fun.”
The students on the Energy Team served as the motivators and planners behind School Uplift at Chandler’s. Together they planned exciting activities and challenges for the entire school to participate in, such as coloring contests and end-of-day energy checklists.
“My favorite part of School Uplift is getting to work with my classmates on something that impacts our whole school for the better,” said seventh grader Ava Mayes.
The Energy Team created presentations that they shared at a Logan County School Board meeting and the Student Technology Leadership Program’s regional and state competitions. They detail the school’s energy consumption, their plan to tackle energy use with support from their Energy Partner at the TVA, and their success in reducing energy waste at school.
“I think more people should join an energy team,” said sixth grader McKenzie Weaver. “We love sharing and having more ideas to spread the word about saving energy.”
The grant will fund new outdoor playground equipment that encourages students to exercise and enjoy more time outdoors.
“The grant is going to be used to improve our playground and blacktop,” explained Caylee Stranger, eighth grade student. “Everyone at the school and in the community worked hard to help us, and we want to show our appreciation for everyone pitching in to make Chandler’s better.”
“I’m super excited we can use this money to improve our school,” said seventh grader Kaidyn Holloway. “It really shows how hard work can pay off!”
“This entire project has been led by our students,” said Chandler’s teacher and Energy Champion Marty White. “From the school news announcements to the posters and planning, they have had all of the ideas. They have worked all year to help make Chandler’s an even better place, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
“The students and staff at Chandler’s have really rallied behind this project, and their efforts as a community are being recognized!” said Logan County Schools Superintendent Dan Costellow. “School Uplift has been a great opportunity for our students to experience the importance of working together as a community to accomplish an amazing goal of being energy smart.
“We’re really glad that not only is it a great experience, but now they have funds to enhance the school in a way the students voted on,” Dr. Costellow continued. “This has been a great partnership with the TVA and Pennyrile Electric, and I’m excited to continue working with them next school year. We’ll have a formal announcement about that later this week.”
Chandler’s School joins over 225 schools to have completed School Uplift over the past four years, competing to earn grants for building upgrades and other learning environment improvements. On average, participating schools save nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to where it matters most – educating our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. “We’re inspired by the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants and proud of their dedication to reducing energy waste and building a sustainable future for us all.”
The Chandler’s School Energy Team would like to remind everyone, “Saving energy saves you MONEY!” Congrats again, Chandler’s!