LANSING — The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program has named Michigan as the organizations’ annual "State of the Year" Award for the state’s success in educating communities about energy.

The mission of the NEED Program is to promote an energy-conscious and educated society. NEED materials help teachers incorporate energy issues — like conservation — into entertaining classroom lessons. Student groups then take that knowledge and develop skits, songs, games, and other activities to educate others.

"In a state that uses a vast amount of energy, our NEED students are teaching their classmates and their communities about the science of energy — including its source, consumption and conservation," said Keith Etheridge, Michigan’s NEED Program Coordinator. "On average, NEED materials are now being used at all grade levels in 150 schools across Michigan."

Michigan schools also won two other awards. Rockford’s North Middle School program, taught by Shelly Baumann, won the "Michigan Middle School of the Year" Award. Manistee’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School Program, taught by Connie Josvai, won the "Michigan Elementary School of the Year" Award. Each school developed different projects to spread the word about energy issues in their communities throughout the school year.

Under Baumann’s direction, the Rockford "NEED Masters" — a group of student leaders who teach the program — made presentations to teachers and students in the Manistee area and at Grand Valley State University’s Regional Math and Science Center. Teachers were impressed with the students’ knowledge and eagerly brought the materials back to teach their own classrooms.

Josvai’s class made bookmarks with energy slogans that were distributed at local libraries. The class also organized "Skate for Warmth", an even that raised money for people who couldn’t pay their heating bills.

"One of the most powerful aspects of the NEED Program is that the kids are the teachers, " Baumann said. "Their ideas and leadership created projects that teach Michigan communities. They truly deserve these awards."

The Michigan Oil And Gas Association (MOGA) — an organization of Michigan petroleum explorer/producers and allied industries — is among state sponsors of the NEED program along with Shell Exploration and Production, the Dart Foundation, and American Electric Power.

"Our sponsors provide critical resources to help students and teachers understand energy and the choices and challenges that arise because of our consumption of energy," Etheridge said. "They help provide the knowledge the next generation needs to make intelligent energy choices when they are leaders."

"In the continued spirit of helping to give back to the areas in which we operate," said Frank L. Mortl, president of MOGA, "we are proud to be a part of an education program that teaches young people and communities about the wise use of energy, the importance of home-shores petroleum supply and Michigan’s role as a substantial oil and gas producer as well as a large energy consumer."

NEED teachers and students are already working to be contenders in next year’s awards. Some of this year’s projects include presentations at Cook Power Plant and Michigan Science Teachers Association, and working with Urban Options — an alternative energy education center in East Lansing.

Baumann and Etheridge accepted the state award at NEED National Recognition Ceremonies in Washington DC last summer.