Online voting to determine $20,000 grand prize winner ends June 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2009

LAS VEGAS – DRI and its GreenPower program, which educates Nevada’s K-12 youth on energy conservation, renewable energy, and sustainability, is pleased to announce that Sandy S. Miller Elementary School in Las Vegas was selected as one of 20 schools from across the nation as a finalist in the Walmart “Earth Day Every Day School Challenge.”

As a finalist, Miller Elementary School received a $500 Walmart gift card, which can be used to purchase items that will help enhance its eco-friendly activities. In addition, the school will compete for the grand prize: a $20,000 grant from Walmart to further its environmental projects. Adults age 18 years or older can now vote for the school they believe should be awarded the grant prize online at www.earthdayeverydaychallenge.com. Voting ends on June 19 at 11:59 Eastern Daylight Time.

In 2005, GreenPower provided Miller Elementary with solar panels and a wind turbine that generate enough electricity to power the school’s hydroponics lab that is used to grow seedlings for planting at the school. GreenPower continues to support the school with an online resource for viewing generated power, hands-on teaching tools, resources, and ongoing teacher education. Miller Elementary became GreenPower’s first elementary school and the 8th GreenPower school of its kind. There are now 31 GreenPower schools throughout Nevada.

“The GreenPower program has helped the students at Sandy Miller Elementary develop an understanding of renewable energy which has led to a unique education in sustainability,” said Fayth Ross, DRI GreenPower Outreach Administrator. “These students are truly environmental stewards.”

The success of the school has come, in part, through its strong partnerships. Since its inception in 2000, the GreenPower program has been a partnership between DRI and NV Energy.

“NV Energy believes that educating our customers on energy efficiency and conservation and conscious living is an integral part of Nevada's energy future," said Greg Kern, NV Energy director of customer renewable generations and energy efficiency.”

Sandy Searles Miller, the school’s namesake, holds emeritus status on DRI’s research foundation board and has been a strong advocate for scientific research and education throughout the state.