Students and school officials from Leonardtown Middle School display the top Energy Saver of the Month flag. They were the first school in the county to receive the award. (Submitted photo)
LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Nov. 19, 2008)—The St. Mary's County Public Schools have introduced a new program to encourage and reward energy savings in the numerous schools throughout the county. Beginning this October and every month going forward, each school's electric consumption will be compared to the same month from the previous year to determine the school that saved the most electricity.
Each month the top school will be announced and they will be presented with the green energy flag designating them as the "Top Energy Saver of the Month." The flag will be flown at the school for approximately one month at which time it may be presented to another school that has achieved this honor.
Since each school's energy footprint is different, schools only compete against themselves, said Al Harrison, Director of Operations.
Leonardtown Middle School was the first facility to achieve the honor. LMS achieved top energy savings for October with a 31 percent reduction in electric consumption compared to the month of October 2007. They saved $4,900.00, according to school officials.
The green energy flag was presented to Leonardtown Middle School Monday morning in a brief ceremony where the flag was raised.
"Leonardtown Middle School is to be commended for their outstanding efforts," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "The St. Mary's County Public School System is aggressively taking steps to conserve energy. The 'Top Energy Saver of the Month' program is designed to show tangible results."