Fifth-grader's essay leads to solar panel at Shiloh Valley Elementary
On May 3, Shiloh Valley Elementary School was bustling with energy as students and faculty celebrated a new addition to their campus: solar panels. The installation was made possible by one remarkable fifth-grader, Madison Parkhurst, whose passion for renewable energy and the environment inspired a movement that made this a reality.
Madison's journey began in third grade when her teacher assigned her a persuasive essay. Struggling to find a topic that inspired her, Madison turned to her mom for guidance. When her mom asked her a seemingly simple question, "What do you care about?" it got her thinking. What she came up with was that she wanted her school to have solar panels.
With her mom's encouragement, Madison delved into research on solar energy and how it could benefit her school and the environment. Her essay was a heartfelt plea, detailing the cost savings and environmental impact that solar panels could provide.
Her essay's impact was more powerful than she could have ever imagined. The school's principal was so impressed that he shared it with the rest of the faculty. From there, the school applied for a grant from NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools, which provides a 20-kilowatt (kW) solar array, a weather station, real-time monitoring, a STEM curriculum package and teacher training. Grant funds cover the project's construction costs, while schools raise funds for future operations and maintenance.
Madison's words played a crucial role in the application process and in convincing the organization to provide the necessary funds for the school's solar panel installation.
"I accomplished things I never thought I could do. This experience helped me become a better version of myself and to see myself as a leader," said Madison.
But Madison's impact didn't stop there.
Sophia Hymel, a fifth grader, felt just as passionate as Madison about the project. However, funding a portion of the initiative was necessary for it to happen. With unwavering determination, Sophia and her mother helped the school reach its goal. In a heartfelt tribute to her beloved grandfather, they went above and beyond by donating the remaining funds in his honor.
"I'm happy we got the solar panels and want to thank Madison because she is the one who started this," said Sophia.
The installation of the solar panels was a testament to the power of one student's voice and the school community coming together to support her vision. Madison's advocacy for renewable energy helped create a tangible change that will benefit the school for years.
Principal Cole Hurst was the assistant principal when Madison began this process. He is proud of all she has accomplished.
"Madison is leaving a great legacy. We plan to use the lessons provided by NC Green's kit since we have STEAM here," said Hurst. "The panels are on the building and hooked up to power our third-grade hallway. After using solar power, it switches to regular power. It recharges every day, resulting in cost savings. We'd love to expand it eventually. We are so thankful to Madison and Sophia for making this happen."
Madison's words of wisdom are ones that students of all ages can learn from, "You never know what impact you can have until you try. I'm just a fifth-grader, but I know my voice matters, and so does yours."
Her message serves as a reminder that small voices can create a big impact and that students have the power to make a positive difference in their communities. Shiloh Valley Elementary has a bright future, thanks to the dedication of students such as Madison and Sophia.
05/09/2023