The results of the “Ways 2 Save Electricity” video contest sponsored by Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power are in, and the judges agree that when it comes to creative ways to educate Pennsylvania residents on conserving electricity, middle, junior and senior high school students across the state are great teachers.

In October 2012, the electric companies invited students in their service areas to create their own original 90-second videos demonstrating “Ways 2 Save Electricity” and correct energy-wasting habits in homes, schools and businesses for a chance to win one of 10 cash grants for their school. All videos were required to be produced under a teacher’s supervision.

In total, there were nearly 200 videos submitted, competing for cash grants totaling $110,000. A first-place ($20,000), second-place ($10,000) and third-place ($5,000) grant was given in each of the Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power service areas, in addition to one People’s Choice Award ($5,000) for the most viewed, “liked” or shared video.

The winning videos, the supervising teachers and the schools by electric company are:

Met-Ed

First place: Ways to Save, Jim Del Conte, Berks Career & Technology Center

Second place: Ways to Save Contest, Joe Klinedinst, Dallastown Area High School

Third place: Conserve, Daniel Mikula, Lower Dauphin High School

Penelec

First place: The Power Within One, Kevin Lang, Forest Hills Middle School

Second place: Ways 2 Save Contest, Doreen Petri, Northwest PA Collegiate Academy

Third place: Just Unplug It!, Erik Puskar, Indiana Senior High School

West Penn Power

First place: Electracula, Steve Vinton, Penn Trafford High School

Second place: DLHS Power Commercial PowerPLUS, Mandy Beck, Deer Lakes High School

Third place: Energy Draft, Steve Vinton, Penn Trafford High School

People’s Choice Winner

Ways to Save, Jim Del Conte, Berks Career & Technology Center

“We were truly impressed by the creativity of the videos we received in our Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest and the genuine enthusiasm the students showed in their efforts to help spread the word about electricity-saving measures,” said Douglas Elliott, President, Pennsylvania Operations, FirstEnergy.

Videos were evaluated based on creativity, effectiveness and quality by a panel of judges that included representatives from Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Penn State’s nature center that serves as a field laboratory for Penn State students to get hands-on experience in the natural world.

“We were honored to have the opportunity to serve as judges for the Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest,” said Jennifer Bean, program director at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. “It was clear to us that all of the students displayed great creativity in applying the information they learned about the importance and benefits of saving electricity. It was a challenge to pick only a few winners.” 

Through the Ways 2 Save Electricity video contest, Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power sought to bring electricity-saving ideas to Pennsylvania residents and businesses from a unique vantage point: that of students who will be tomorrow’s consumers.

The winning entries can be viewed at the Ways 2 Save Contest website.

1/28/2013