|
Springfield students hear calls to take up energy challenge
October, 2008
Middle school in Fort Mill becomes state's ninth
Green Power Solar School
By Walter Allread
A two-kilowatt solar power system gives sixth graders at Springfield Middle School more than a hands-on way to learn about renewable energy, Fifth District Congressman John Spratt believes.
"This is your future," Spratt told the students. "This will determine your quality of life and whether or not you'll be able to enjoy the same things we've enjoyed in our lifetime. It's critically important for you."
Spratt praised the Fort Mill School District, York Electric Cooperative and its chief power supplier, the state-owned utility Santee Cooper, for "a great idea, a great experiment." At a dedication September 4, Springfield Middle became the ninth Green Power Solar School. Santee Cooper is bringing solar systems to schools in the service areas of each of South Carolina's 20 independent, consumer-owned co-ops. The program gives students tools to meet the nation's energy challenges. In addition to a 10' x 12' solar panel outside, participating schools receive a renewable energy curriculum centered on state Education Department science and math standards. Students and teachers also have access to an internet-based system that shows the solar array's energy output.
Solar 'transformers'
 Studying solar power will make learning math and science "all the more interesting," the congressman said. "It's important, too, because we have to transform the way we think and act at every level – the producer level and the user level, old people as well as young people. And that's what this is all about – transforming the way we think about energy."
"The answers aren't simple," he said. "This is a big panel and it generates 2 kilowatts." (Two kilowatts is enough to power a few computers in the sixth-graders' classrooms.) "While it's a small part of the overall solution, it's a critical step forward."
Spratt challenged the students to lead the way. "We've got a long way to go, and that's why we want to teach you the technology at your level so someday you can bring it to completion, to fruition. It will really make a difference in the world that you'll be living in," he said.
York Electric Cooperative CEO Paul Basha struck a similar note. "What you're going to learn over this curriculum might help you choose to go into electricity-related careers. If we can be a part of helping you make those choices, and helping you learn more about solar power and solar energy, it's very important to us."
Basha thanked Santee Cooper, Superintendent Keith Calicutt, Principal Keith Griffin and school staff and faculty. Sixth grade teachers Missy Stevens, Michael Rich and Deanna Koverman spent a week this summer at Santee Cooper facilities in Berkeley County learning to teach the solar curriculum.
'Greening' a community
Basha pointed out that York Electric Cooperative serves all but one of the Fort Mill schools as well as about 10,000 homes in the township. But he noted, "We're not necessarily about electricity. We're about giving back to the community. That's what we're doing here today."
Co-op members can give back, too. York Electric offers members a chance to support the development of renewable energy resources through the Green Power program with Santee Cooper. Proceeds support renewable energy efforts including the Solar Schools program.
With students and their new solar panel are, back row from left, Fort Mill Mayor Danny Funderburk, Fort Mill School District Assistant Superintendent Chuck Epps, State Rep. Mick Mulvaney, Congressman John Spratt, York Electric CEO Paul Basha, Santee Cooper VP of Conservation and Renewable Energy Marc Tye, solar curriculum teachers Missy Stevens, Michael Rich and Deanna Koverman, and Principal Keith Griffin.
Related Links:
Green Power supporters show energy smarts »
Green Power program »
YEC makes investment in renewable energy »
|
