Duke Energy and The National Theatre for Children reward area schools for commitment to energy efficiency

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) and The National Theatre for Children have awarded $2,000 checks to schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky whose students and their families completed home energy surveys and received energy efficiency starter kits as part of the company's Energy Education in Schools Program.

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Schools receiving awards were those with the highest total number and highest percentage of students whose families completed and returned the home energy surveys during the 2012-2013 academic year.

The schools receiving cash awards included:

• Loveland Primary, Loveland, Ohio
• Lockland Middle School, Lockland, Ohio
• Kannapolis Middle School, Kannapolis, N.C.
• Stoney Creek Elementary, Reidsville, N.C.
• Ellen Woodside Elementary School, Pelzer, S.C.
• St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, Spartanburg, S.C.
• St. Joseph School, Cold Spring, Ky.
• St. Joseph School, Camp Springs, Ky.

Duke Energy partnered with The National Theatre for Children in 2011 to begin offering a live and interactive in-school program for students that teaches core educational points about energy, resources, and how and why students can use energy wisely.

The centerpiece of the curriculum is a live theatrical production delivered by professional actors to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"This program has been well received by educators and students because it shares the benefits of using energy wisely in a format that is fun and makes learning easier for students," said Gayle Lanier, Duke Energy senior vice president and chief customer officer. "I applaud the winning schools, students and their families for making a commitment to using energy more wisely."  

Every student receives a workbook of project-based assignments, including take-home work designed to engage parents. Parents are encouraged to participate by ordering a free energy efficiency starter kit that includes a variety of devices that immediately begin saving energy once installed.

More than 72,000 kits have been distributed to Duke Energy customers since the program began in 2011. The kits are provided at no cost to all households whether or not they are served by Duke Energy.

As the Energy Education in Schools program enters its third academic year, The National Theatre for Children is introducing a new theatrical production for elementary school students – Showdown at Resource Ranch – that will teach students how to use resources wisely through a set of funny, yet knowledgeable cast of characters right out of the old West, including Sheriff Carrie Gooper; Blabby Daze; and Clint Westwood.

Since 2011, Energy Education in Schools' performances have reached more than 766,000 students in more than 1,900 schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Schools in these states served by Duke Energy are eligible to participate in this free program. Programs are available to students in kindergarten through eighth grade and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

To schedule a performance, call 800-858-3999, ext. ,1 or go online to www.nationaltheatre.com and click "Schedule a Show."

For more information on the program, visit www.duke-energy.com/schools.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com. 

Contact: Kristina Hill
Office: 704.572.8759 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy