Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium (VEWC) sponsored an essay contest in conjunction with the Governor’s Proclamation of “Careers in Energy Week” held October 17 until October 21. The goal of the contest was to get students thinking about future opportunities that exist in the energy field. Participants were divided into two categories, 6^th – 8^th grade and 9^th – 12^th grade, and asked to write an essay on how “Energy Workers Made a World of Difference.” This inaugural effort by VEWC resulted in approximately 100 essays from students in schools across Virginia; students represented over 10 city and county school districts as well as private schools.

Thanks to the generosity of Washington Gas and Dominion Virginia the winner of each division received an iPod Touch and each Honorable Mention/runner-up received an iPod Nano. The Consortium is looking forward to sponsoring a similar event next year as it continues to educate young people on the role of energy in our daily lives as well as the exciting career options available today and in the future.

And the winners are...

Grade 6-8 Category:

Winner:           Eva C. Grumbine, Grade 7, Central Academy Middle School Fincastle, VA

Runner Up:      Margaret O’Hare, Grade 7, Carlisle Middle School Chatham Campus, Chatham, VA

Grade 9-12 Category:

Winner:           Brooke Reed, Grade 12,  Virginia High School, Bristol, Virginia

Runner Up:      Josh Peters, Grade 11, Eastside High School, Coeburn, Virginia