Hub City school selected to participate in TVA’s School Uplift program

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee Valley Authority announced that 106 schools across the southeast region will have more money and cleaner air thanks to over $3 million in grants.

Arlington Elementary School was selected to participate in TVA Energyright’s School Uplift program. This supports schools by offering energy efficient training and grants that reduce energy costs.

“I just got an email from Dr. King saying that Arlington will be participating this year. At first I was like, ‘Energy? I’m the worst energy saver in the world.’ so it’s been fun and exciting to see the enthusiasm in the school,” said Cindy Emison, energy champion.

Arlington has a chance to win $25,000 worth of grant money through this program. So far, this grant has saved participating schools an average of 10% on their energy bills.

“Every classroom has chosen a student that will be responsible for making sure that energy saving measures are being taken care of in the classroom,” said Emison.

Students also had the chance to win prizes by answering questions about energy. Water bottles from the health department were also given out to every child. They also met a special guest, The Energy Monster.

“What they learn here with Ms. Emison in school in this program throughout the year is that they can take it home with them and they can realize some savings at home with their families,” said Joey Cooley, commercial relations manager with the Jackson Energy Authority.

This years participants will save an estimated amount of 9 gigawatts of energy or the amount of electricity used by 1,241 homes in one year.

Students returned to class to do a reading exercise where they turned out the lights and used a small LED light on their fingers to read a book.

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