Westfield Class Wins Energy Conference’s Poster Contest
MAYVILLE - Bill Daly, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency administrative director and chief executive officer, and Doug Champ, Energy Conference & Expo chairperson, recently traveled to Cheryl Olsen's fifth grade class at Westfield Academy and Central School to congratulate the class and present them with a check for $250 for being voted the winner of the conference's "Energy Awareness Poster Contest."
The Energy Conference & Expo, sponsored by the county IDA, took place October 23-24 at the Chautauqua Suites Meeting & Expo Center in Mayville.
"I want to thank the students and Ms. Olsen for creating such a wonderful poster, which really highlighted the need to be aware of energy usage and ways to conserve," Daly said.
He also thanked Paula Troutman, elementary school principal, and Mark Sissel, Westfield Academy and Central School superintendent, for their involvement.
The class plans on using the $250 prize to purchase trees which will be planted on the grounds at Westfield Academy and Central School.
County Executive Gregory J. Edwards said several teachers spoke to him about the contest.
"To put it simply, it was a great addition to the conference. I look forward to holding the poster contest again next year,'' he said. ''We are also brainstorming ideas to get even more students involved with the Energy Conference & Expo next year."
The IDA hosted the Energy Awareness Poster Contest for Chautauqua County fifth grade classes to create awareness of good energy practices. More than 20 posters were submitted, and hundreds of attendees at the second annual Energy Conference & Expo cast their votes in the contest to select the winner.
"It's extremely important that our kids understand the need to protect the environment and save energy,'' Champ said. ''The students told us they are going to plant trees in the south side of the school to have the shade block sun on the building reducing electric usage by reducing air conditioning usage. The trees will also reduce carbon dioxide in the air, plus they can be home to birds and will enhance the look of the school grounds."
