ComEd Helps Dedicate New Solar Generation System at Berwyn Elementary School
Story submitted by Denise Munoz of ComEd
Representatives from ComEd and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) assisted The Children’s School of Oak Park in Berwyn dedicate its new 1 kilowatt photovoltaic solar generation system and announce its renewable energy commitment during an afternoon ribbon-cutting assembly at its school on Thursday, October 25, 2007. The Children’s School’s faculty and all of its students and a few parents gathered for the dedication ceremony at the school and to view the new solar panel’s generation activity on the program’s website – www.IllinoisSolarSchools.org. The Children’s School was one of 16 schools and community organizations that received an Illinois Solar Schools grant this year. By turning schools into hands-on science experiments, this program makes science fun and teaches students how their everyday actions can positively impact the environment. NEED is administering the teacher training and the Foundation for Environmental Education is administering the installations part of the initiative.
Okay, that was the “official” introduction to my first solar school ribbon-cutting for the 2007-2008 school year since my predecessor to this program, Mr. Paul Wallace decided to retire in December of 2006. I must say that the excitement at the school and the presentation on solar energy that was given by the fourth graders at the Children’s School was very impressive and it is such a great validation that the solar schools program is doing what we intended it to do. The effort by all of those involved, especially Ms. Pamela Freese who volunteered her time to apply for the grant on behalf of the school, needs to be commended. Keep up the good work! It was also my distinct pleasure to present Mr. Daniel Ryan, from the Children’s School, along with Ms. Gabriela Martin from ICECF, it’s VERY FIRST PLAQUE since the school’s re-opening. And before I close, I also wanted to thank the children for allowing us to spend the afternoon with them touring their classrooms and enjoying their delicious solar school cookies at the end of the day. Congratulations, once again!!