District 158 schools recognized for energy efficiency
Six Huntley Community School District 158 buildings recently received certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program.
Chesak, Leggee and Martin elementary schools, Heineman and Marlowe middle schools, and Huntley High School, received the designation in 2017. The schools ranked among the top 25 percent of school buildings nationwide for energy efficiency.
On average, ENERGY STAR-certified buildings use 35 percent less energy, cause 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate.
"Huntley 158 continues to demonstrate true environmental leadership by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions that are proven to contribute to climate change," said Jean Lupinacci, ENERGY STAR director for commercial and industrial buildings. "Today, 45 percent of U.S. emissions are attributable to commercial and industrial buildings, which is why improving energy efficiency is so critical for our future."
District 158's Administration and Transportation Center was ENERGY STAR-certified in 2015. Its buildings are among 156 K-12 facilities with ENERGY STAR rating out of roughly 3,800 schools statewide, and the only ones in McHenry County.
District 158 has invested in a number of energy-efficient projects, including lighting retrofits and green designs for the Huntley High School addition and renovation project completed last year. It has resulted in annual savings of more than $667,000 on energy costs.
"Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our commitment to the environment, public health, and our taxpayers," said Doug Renkosik, operations and maintenance director.
Sheriff's office to award scholarships
The Illinois Sheriffs' Association will be awarding more than $54,000 in college scholarships statewide to students seeking to pursue higher education in the 2018-19 school year.
McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim will be awarding a $500 scholarship to be applied toward tuition, books and fees.
Scholarship applicants can be of any race, age, creed, color, gender or national origin. Eligible candidates must be permanent Illinois residents and residents of McHenry County. The scholarship must be used at institutions of higher learning within the state and students must be enrolled full-time for the 2018-19 school year (excluding the summer session).
Applications are available at the McHenry County Sheriff's Office or online at ilsheriff.org. Students must complete the application, answer the essay question and return all documentation by March 12 (postmarked by this date).