SURGOINSVILLE — Surgoinsville Elementary School staff learned Thursday morning that they received a $25,000 grant for an outdoor classroom and library updates.
The funding is from a Learning Environment Grant through the Tennessee Valley Authority EnergyRight School Uplift Program.
The gym at the elementary school filled with staff and students in anticipation of receiving either $10,000 or $25,000, as the announcement was livestreamed in front of them. The gym erupted in cheers and applause when they found out the school received $25,000.
“I’m proud of you all, thank you,†School Librarian Mindy Hunley said. “Thank you for turning off your light switches, thank you for doing the posters and projects. Only the top 10 most engaged schools got the $25,000.â€
The money will be used to build an outdoor classroom, as well as help upgrade the library. Construction can begin July 1, and Hunley hopes it is ready by the next school year.
To receive this grant, the school submitted an input of electricity and gas used per month, did a weekly energy checklist and the students completed multiple energy-related projects.
“The kids made posters,†Hunley said. “We did Dark Day, where we just learned in the dark all day; we turned out all the lights.â€
Volunteer High School representatives also came in and taught energy classes; their digital arts class made superhero buttons for the children to wear if they completed their project.
“Give yourselves a pat on the back for being engaged and doing all the activities and trying to help us save energy,†Principal Mary Ann Davis told the elementary students.
Over 323 schools have completed the School Uplift Program in the last four years, a news release stated. The schools participating saved almost 10% on annual energy bills by changing behaviors.
“School Uplift is another great example of TVA and Holston Electric investment in our community,†Davis stated in the release. “We learned so much through this program about how to make our school more efficient and comfortable, and I’m proud of our staff and students whose efforts earned this grant.â€
This school year, TVA’s School Uplift program partnered with local power companies in seven states to help 99 schools address energy waste.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to what truly matters – providing quality education for our children,†stated Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. “We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants, who are dedicated to reducing energy waste and building a stronger, more sustainable future.â€
