Ike doggedly jogged up to Ima who had, once again, finished their cross-country workout ahead of him. “OK, OK – don’t be so smug; I’ll beat you yet before the season’s over,” he said catching his breath.
“I can’t believe this is our final year. Graduation’s only eight months off,” Ima remarked, “and I’m way behind on saving money for college.” “Join the club,” Ike sighed. “Wait a minute; there’s a way we could win some easy cash. Did you see the ‘Solar Poetry Slam’ contest poster at school? First prize is $75! All you have to do is write a poem about the benefits of adding solar on our school. Should be easy because there are so many good reasons to do so.”
Ike’s English teacher had explained that the contest is open to all 6th – 12th graders.* Any kind or poem can be submitted; teachers have all the info. The Dodgeville Chronicle is going to publish the winners’ pictures and maybe even some of the best poems! Ike went on to explain why adding solar is such a great idea:
“Super! I’m pretty good at making up song lyrics,” Ima Rhymer cheered. “Betcha I can win that $75 first prize.” “Oh no you don’t! This is one time I’m gonna beat you!” Ike N. Pennapoem crowed.
“No matter who wins, I hope our school looks into adding solar. It’s a money saver! Beyond that, we’ve just gotta take care of our planet. After all, it’s the only home we’ll ever know. It’s where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
*Mineral Point and Dodgeville students
“I can’t believe this is our final year. Graduation’s only eight months off,” Ima remarked, “and I’m way behind on saving money for college.” “Join the club,” Ike sighed. “Wait a minute; there’s a way we could win some easy cash. Did you see the ‘Solar Poetry Slam’ contest poster at school? First prize is $75! All you have to do is write a poem about the benefits of adding solar on our school. Should be easy because there are so many good reasons to do so.”
Ike’s English teacher had explained that the contest is open to all 6th – 12th graders.* Any kind or poem can be submitted; teachers have all the info. The Dodgeville Chronicle is going to publish the winners’ pictures and maybe even some of the best poems! Ike went on to explain why adding solar is such a great idea:
- Scores of Wisconsin schools are already saving $100,000s in energy costs with solar.
- Schools are eligible for federal, state and foundation funding covering up to 50% of the total cost.
- A low-cost ‘green loan’ would pay for the balance. The loan payments are covered by the energy cost-saving from the solar installation. I.E. A school’s budget doesn’t increase then gradually drops as the loan is paid off.
- Because of these generous funding options, schools can install solar with little or possibly NO out of pocket costs!
- There are numerous curricula tie-ins for schools that have an operating solar array. It’s a great way to introduce energy efficiency and solar technologies - some of the fastest growing industries in the country.
- Schools with solar model earth-friendly stewardship.
“Super! I’m pretty good at making up song lyrics,” Ima Rhymer cheered. “Betcha I can win that $75 first prize.” “Oh no you don’t! This is one time I’m gonna beat you!” Ike N. Pennapoem crowed.
“No matter who wins, I hope our school looks into adding solar. It’s a money saver! Beyond that, we’ve just gotta take care of our planet. After all, it’s the only home we’ll ever know. It’s where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
*Mineral Point and Dodgeville students
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