Sustainable Ideas Sought for Scholarship Contest

Students are encouraged to follow the example of Jack Kendrick and share bright ideas for making their school community more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

The “Be Like Jack” contest pays tribute to the South Carolina student who won recognition by petitioning his school district to buy the state’s first propane-powered special needs school bus. For his efforts, in 2020, Kendrick won the Clean Energy Hero Award from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

Students ages 8-14 can enter the contest by submitting a drawing with a short, written response about how they would make their school more sustainable. Winners will be chosen from age groups 8-9, 10-11, and 12-14. They’ll get a $2,000 donation for their school, which can be put toward a sustainability project of the school’s choosing.

"Jack is an inspiration to us all, and we know there are many more children just like him who have big ideas on how to make the world a more sustainable place," said Stephen Whaley, director of autogas business development for PERC. "By advocating for propane school buses, Jack was able to significantly reduce harmful emissions for his classmates, his bus driver, and his community. Imagine what could happen if every student stood up for their sustainable idea, and we're excited to kickstart a cleaner future through these donations."

Additionally, one grand prize winner will also get to meet “The Space Gal,” Emily Calandrelli, during a special Day of Science event at their school. Calandrelli is an MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host and co-executive producer of Emily's Wonder Lab on Netflix. She's also featured as a correspondent on Netflix's Bill Nye Saves the World and an executive producer and host of FOX's Xploration Outer Space. Emily is the author of the science chapter book series, the Ada Lace Adventures. 

"These students have the power to change the world with their ideas and make their community a cleaner place to live," said Calandrelli. "We hope this contest inspires them to think big about how they can make a difference, just like Jack with his propane school bus."

Deadline for submissions is July 15.