MENU
SEARCHThe contest is open to students ages 8-14. Winners get $2,000 for their school to apply to sustainability projects. Deadline for submissions is July 15.
The "Be Like Jack" contest was inspired by South Carolina student Jack Kendrick, who petitioned his school district to buy the state's first propane-powered special needs school bus.
Photo: PERC
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.
From EV charging growth to V2G testing and new bus deployments, districts and providers advance alt-fuel goals amid challenges.
Read More →
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →
The EPA will open a 45-day comment period and is planning a March 3 webinar as it reshapes Clean School Bus funding for 2026.
Read More →
Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including electric bus and charging deployments, new funding opportunities, and a new management system.
Read More →
The federal administration called its 2009 Endangerment Finding rescission "the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history." It eliminates greenhouse gas emission standards for all vehicles and engines for model years 2012 to 2027 and beyond.
Read More →
Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including electric and propane bus deployments, new EV products, and an update from CARB.
Read More →
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
Read More →
Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including manufacturing expansions, major funding awards, and energy storage strategies.
Read More →
Electric school bus success hinges on long-term planning, which means smart financing, battery management, and service-based models that keep fleets reliable for years.
Read More →
Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including new product announcements and bus deployments across the U.S.
Read More →
