Nov. 16, 2006 — The V.I. Energy Office recently awarded $22,500 to Elena L. Christian Junior High and the Pearl B. Larsen Elementary as part of its Adopt-A-School Program to help the institutions become more energy efficient.
According to a release issued Thursday, the office initiated the program in 2004 to help schools with innovative approaches to energy education and energy conservation.
Both schools have had energy audits by A-Phix Maintenance Solutions and are awaiting a report on how best to make the school more energy efficient. The funds are to be broken down with $20,000 being dedicated to building retrofits and $2,500 to assist in the development of an energy-oriented curriculum.
Leila Muller, program monitor at the Energy Office, presented the checks to Larsen Principal Maria Encarnacion and Elena Christian Principal Willard John.
The funds for the grant came through the federally administrated Stripper Well fund. Muller commented, "These educators have shown a commitment to their students and community by taking part in this program." Energy Office Director Bevan R. Smith Jr. added that he was very pleased with these two schools and their participation in the program. He said that the Energy Office is making an effort this month to also bring some schools from St. Thomas into the program.
In her application Encarnacion said, "Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School was built in 1971 and, consequently, a host of energy problems exists." She said most of the problems concerned lighting and air conditioning.
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