Whitney Newman - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

After starting with NEED in 5th grade in NEED Teacher and Advisory Board Member Linda Hutton’s class at Kitty Hawk Elementary in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Whitney quickly became a valuable part of the NEED student network helping with workshops and leading efforts in her school to support energy education. 

Whitney joined the NEED Youth Awards team several years ago and works to make the experience a positive and exciting one for the students, teachers, and parents who attend each year.  She serves as the Host of the NEED National Recognition Ceremonies and gave up Winter Break this year to spend time in the NEED office preparing for the 27th Annual NEED Youth Awards.  Whitney’s calm leadership and extraordinary skills make her among the best of NEED students.  In early June she graduated from First Flight High School as Salutatorian and will attend the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia this fall.  NEED is pleased that Whitney will be even closer to the NEED Headquarters and looks forward to her continued leadership.  Whitney is also a recipient of the 2007 NEED Youth Leadership Award and Scholarship.  Congratulations Whitney! 

 

Jake Kesner - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Jake Kesner is truly an impressive NEED student leader and his work with the Cleveland Middle School energy team continues to make Cleveland Middle School of Albuquerque, New Mexico an award winning NEED Program with the support of NEED Lead Teachers and Teacher Advisory Board members Barbara and Robert Lazar.  From his original activities with NEED as an 8th grade student, to the leadership he exhibits now as part of the NEED Youth Awards team, Jake’s easy-going personality combined with his great sense of humor, make him an important member of the NEED family.  His love of science, his interest in energy, and his dedication to teaching the public about energy and energy issues continues to show the value of students leaders as part of the NEED network. 

Jake has participated in numerous presentations, including one to Facilities Planners – a group of 200-300 engineers, architects, and facilities planners – about energy education.  His interest in energy extends into his time afterschool as well, as part of his work as an intern at Sandia National Laboratory.   This internship sparked his plans to work at the solar research facility at the Lab.  This June, Jake graduated from high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico and will begin college this fall pursuing a career in energy.  All of us at NEED will watch for Jake to find ways to approach the energy challenges and opportunities ahead.  We also expect to see him continue his work with NEED.   Jake is a recipient of the 2007 NEED Youth Leadership Award and Scholarship.  Congratulations Jake! 

2007 Youth Leadership Award Winners

Roxie Brown - California

Jake Kesner - New Mexico

Whitney Newman - North Carolina

The NEED Youth Leadership Award is a $1,500 scholarship given annually to graduating seniors or college freshman/sophomores.  The recipients have shown significant dedication to energy education in their K-12 education experience and are pursuing further education in energy, education, and the environment.