FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 4, 2019
CONTACT: Nina Axelson
612-695-1288
Nina.Axelson@districtenergy.com
District Energy and St. Paul Saints announce Big Idea Video Contest finalists
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – District Energy St. Paul and the St. Paul Saints today announced the three finalists of their Big Idea Video Contest, which sought videos from Minnesota students sharing their vision for a more sustainable Minnesota and a better planet. Contest finalists include Highland Park Middle School’s ‘Climate Change and CO2,’ Kelliher Public School’s ‘Invasive Species Awareness: A Kelliher Sustainability Project,’ and White Bear Lake Area High School’s ‘A Change of Heart.’
“Students from Kelliher Public School worked on a shared vision to prevent the spread of invasive species that endanger local ecosystems and fishing economies,” said Eric Lawson, a teacher at Kelliher Public School. “They used new fabrication methods like 3D printing, digital modeling, and video game design to educate young and old alike. They learned both artistic and scientific skills along the way, and this contest gave them a platform to share their vision of aquatic ecosystem sustainability. We are very proud of them.”
The winning school will be announced at the Saints game at CHS Field on June 8, with the first-place video premiering on the big screen as the finalists watch from the field. Along with being recognized at the game, the winning school will receive a $5,000 donation, which they are encouraged to put toward environmental and sustainability programming.
“This honor and award will help bring awareness to our generation through providing a more sustainable school that produces less waste and promotes carpooling, biking, walking, and busing to school,” said Highland Park Middle School students Molly Hanley and Abigail Lawton. “It is our generation who will really need to make a sustainable way of life a priority for the stability of our planet.”
Videos are being judged by a panel of local leaders, including Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Metropolitan Council Parks Ambassador Amanda Lovelee, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Sustainability Coordinator Carla Inderrieden – all strong proponents of building sustainable and resilient communities.
“At the White Bear Lake Area High School, a large part of what we do is to prepare the next generation of community leaders,” said Amy Hawkins Donlin, a teacher at White Bear Lake Area High School. “These students are recognizing that together, we can project positive change in our own community and around the world. Indeed, these committed students’ message of responsibility and optimism for the future is already being heard.”
District Energy and the Saints partnered on the Big Idea Video Contest to engage students in the conversation and efforts around sustainability and creating a healthier environment for all Minnesotans. For more information, visit www.districtenergy.com/big-idea.
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About District Energy St. Paul
District Energy St. Paul is a leader in community energy, providing Saint Paul with reliable service, stable rates, and sustainable heating and cooling services. As a mission-driven organization, District Energy has an ongoing commitment to advance its system through innovation, serve as environmental stewards, and to be good community partners.
District Energy St. Paul currently heats 197 buildings and 300 single-family homes and cools 116 buildings in downtown Saint Paul and adjacent areas. The customer base includes local and state government, arts, entertainment, hospitality, Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and landmark small businesses that thrive with the support of District Energy’s stable and reliable heating and cooling services. For more information, visit districtenergy.com.