Way to Go: Eileen Cha, Levittown
Eileen Cha, a fifth-grader at Summit Lane Elementary School in Levittown, recently topped more than 1,600 entries statewide to take first place in a T-shirt design contest coordinated by National Grid. Credit: handout
Fifth-grader Eileen Cha created an award-winning way to convey energy efficiency and "Happy Birthday" wishes.
A T-shirt design by the student at Levittown's Summit Lane Elementary School topped more than 1,600 entries statewide to win first place this month in a contest coordinated by National Grid.
The competition was held in recognition of Earth Day and the 20th anniversary of Energy Star, a federal program that aims to protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
Cha's design featured a yellow washing machine, a red microwave and a white toaster stacked to represent a birthday cake, with a bulb as a candle.
"The first thing that came to my mind was a birthday cake," Cha, 11, said of brainstorming for a design. "I was really proud of myself when I won."
National Grid employees wore T-shirts that featured Eileen's design as they volunteered at company events on Earth Day. Eighty fifth-graders at Summit Lane also were given shirts, and the school received a $250 check from National Grid.
"Eileen is a very talented artist," said Deborah Breen, her fifth-grade teacher. "She is an asset to the class and a role model."
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