The District of Choice

Tami Marler, Director
Public Information
(918) 746-6298

News Release: Monday, November 02, 2009

Wind Turbine Testament to Green Energy  

11/6/2009, 1:15 p.m.

A 30-foot wind turbine—a monument to sustainable energy, state-of-the-art technology and the smarts of Tulsa Public Schools students—is coming to the district’s Helmzar Challenge Course thanks to a collaboration between Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and Global New Energy Solutions, a company specializing in renewable energy sources.

TPS students and employees use Helmzar various training sessions and the turbine will power one of its classrooms. The dedication is 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, November 5. It coincides with an energy fair featuring exhibits and hands-on activities.

In September Adriana Rodriguez, a student at Hamilton Middle School, took first place in an essay contest sponsored by TPS, Global New Energy Solutions and Taylor’s office. Adriana’s essay, "Sustainable Energy: It’s Important to Our Community," explained why it’s imperative to explore and tap into sources of alternative energy. Ryan Bunch took second place and Brienna Milleson third in the contest. Both students attend Thoreau Demonstration Academy. Students from Hamilton and Thoreau will be attending the dedication.

While the contest and turbine have generated a real-world example of sustainable energy, it also serves to educate district students about an issue that will likely increase in importance as they grow older.

“I believe this contest exposed their minds to that possibility and channeled students to start thinking about how their generation might impact the future of energy in the world,” said Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools.

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