John Rebchook is a former Rocky Mountain News reporter with more than 30 years of experience in writing and communications... New Town Builders and the Denver Academy are sponsoring a Green Energy Expo open to some middle and high-school students in the metro area to create renewable energy or energy efficient projects.
New Town, which builds some of the most energy efficient production homes in the metro area, hopes hundreds of students will participate in the program to be held on May 17 at the Denver Academy campus.
Winners will receive prizes worth a total of $6,750, and three students will win internships for energy-related work at New Town Builders.
Solar, thermal, wind
Open to everyone in 7th to 12 grade in the Association of Colorado Independent Schools, the Expo will feature displays of the students’ own creations in areas such as solar power, thermal energy, wind power, heat pump technology, and building science such as smart electric power use.
This event follows a similar one organized by New Town Builders last year in which students built solar projects in celebration of the Summer Solstice.
“It is extremely rewarding to see these students get so involved in a subject that will ultimately have so much impact on all our lives,” said Gene Myers, chief executive officer of New Town Builders. “As homebuilders continue to emphasize energy efficiency, we understand a well-educated customer is the best kind to have.”
New Town Builders is the only company in the Denver area offering solar power systems standard on all new single-family homes.
Every ACIS school can send up to 10 representatives to the Green Energy Expo, and the schools are welcome to determine the most appropriate representatives in any way they choose, including the organization of their own “qualifying” expos prior to the main event.
Creativity expected
“Our students are already excited about this event, and I expect to see some very creative displays and experiments,” said Kevin Smith, headmaster at Denver Academy. “We look forward to seeing the thought-provoking entries from our colleagues at all the other Independent Schools, as well.”
The Expo begins 9 a.m. May 17 at Denver Academy at 4400 E. Iliff Ave., and it will feature food, fun and educational displays. The public is welcome.
The 12th-grade students with the three winning projects will receive a total of $4,500 in scholarship money; and the internships will go to the three winning juniors. At the sophomore level, a total of $2,250 will go toward the respective schools’ science departments.
Students interested in registering for the event can call Alan Price at 303-949-3512, or send an email to greenexpo@newtownbuilders.com. For general questions, call 303-707-4444, or go to this link.
Contact John Rebchook at JRCHOOK@gmail.com or 303-945-6865.
