28 CT Students Recognized For Projects That Tackle Climate Change

ACROSS CONNECTICUT — More than 28 student finalists throughout the state were recently honored for their efforts to address climate change during the 16th annual eesmarts™ contest by Energize Connecticut.

Put on by Energize Connecticut sponsors, Eversource and United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc., the annual eesmarts™ contest saw over 250 Connecticut students submit visual art, community-based projects and creative writing that showcased their knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability.

“Climate change is an urgent issue that is of particular concern to young people,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “We are so proud of these bright students who put such creative energy into projects that impactfully illustrate the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.”

To participate, students in grades K-8 completed prompts in the form of either a poster, narrative, letter to the principal, book review, persuasive speech, poem, cartoon or public service announcement. Students in grades 9-11 competed in the community-based project category, which asked students to propose a plan and budget to address an energy-related issue in their community. Students in grade 12 created a persuasive image that advocated for energy conservation, an alternate energy source or addressed an environmental concern.

“Year after year, I look forward to delving into Connecticut students’ eesmarts projects and this year was no exception,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of CNG, SCG and UI, “It’s been a challenging year for everyone, especially students, but that didn’t hinder their ability to think critically about how energy efficiency can have a positive impact on our battle against climate change.”

In lieu of an in-person awards ceremony, winners were announced and congratulated in a video presentation. First to third prize winners at each grade level received $50 to $200 gift cards to Amazon.

Representing 17 cities and towns across Connecticut, the 28 winners included:

Kindergarten
First: Avery Mirando, Rocky Hill
Second: Raegen Phanavong, New Britain
Third: Ellie Bakowski, New Britain

First Grade
First: Sarelka Gopin, Bloomfield
Second: Madison Iannacone, Fairfield
Third: Esther Matusof, Bloomfield

Second Grade
First: William Chan, South Windsor
Second: Anna Koziol, New Britain
Third: Lea Gertel, Bloomfield

Third Grade
First: Charlie Gilchrist, Cheshire
Second: Saanvi Jahagirdar, Groton
Third: Racheal McGuire, Hampton

Fourth Grade
First: Minaz Yrayta, New Haven
Second: Joseph Amenta III, Cheshire
Third: Elle G. Dorin, West Hartford

Fifth Grade
First: Sofia DeFranzo, Shelton
Second: Molly Campbell, Shelton
Third: Joseph Santagata-Raslavsky, Shelton

Sixth Grade
First: James Waters, Montville
Second: Mia Hall, Marlborough
Third: Rebecca Koonankeil, Marlborough

Seventh Grade
First: Maya Pujara, Darien
Second: Thomas Goertel, Darien
Third: Nathan R. Gregory, Darien

Eighth Grade
First: Adrian J. Bouchard, Waterford
Second: Natalie Baj, New Britain
Third: Sreekant Gardas, Avon

High School: Grade 12
First: Vivian Bunker, Waterbury

For more information on the student contest and the eesmarts program, visit EnergizeCT.com/eesmarts-home.