BC Hydro announces 2010 Invent the Future winners
VANCOUVER – Who can we count on to be the champions of conservation and sustainability in the future? B.C. youth, that's who, based on their creative and energetic submissions to BC Hydro's Invent the Future contest for songs, videos and essays on energy conservation. Contest entries received from around the province demonstrated young people's understanding of the need to conserve energy and support sustainability, and now the tough decisions on the winners have been made.
Entries were assessed by a panel of celebrity judges including actor Kristin Kreuk, Juno-nominated singer/songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, Terry McBride of Nettwerk Music Group, Hal Wake from the Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival, local meteorologist Ann Luu, and environmental and community leader Ajay Puri. Judges evaluated submissions on originality, innovation, creativity, scope and potential to change behaviour in B.C.
Contest winners each receive a $2,000 cash prize and an opportunity to further develop their creative skills by spending a week at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School.
Nearly 150 contest entries were received from every corner of the province and can be viewed at if.youthscience.ca. In addition, as part to the contest, more than 6,500 people took the Power Smart pledge, vowing to change their behaviours in order to conserve energy.
The winners for each category are:
Video
- 16 – 19 years: Dominika Pilat and Andrea Diaz from Vancouver, students at Capilano University and Langara College for "Little Kids, Big Goals"
- 20 – 24 years: Irving Diaz from Vancouver, a student at Vancouver Film School for "LEDs, The Lighting of the Future!"
Essay
- 16 – 19 years: Priya Griesser, Kalindi Fournier and Kava Moore from Venables Valley (near Ashcroft), students at Govardhana Academy for "One School Saved – Many More to Go"
- 20 – 24 years: Grace Wong from Burnaby, a student at UBC for "The Tables Have Turned: Producer Responsibility on Product Disposal"
Song
- 16 – 19 years: Andrew Baskin and Tanner Waller from Campbell River, former students at Timberline Secondary School for "Energy Rap"
- 20 – 24 years: Graham Campbell from Kelowna, student at UBC Okanagan for "Xeriscape Gardens"
"It's inspiring to see so many young people pledge to make a difference by being smart with their power," said Lisa Coltart, executive director of Power Smart and Customer Care for BC Hydro. "BC Hydro is looking to meet 66 per cent of the province's new energy needs through conservation by 2020 and our youth are some of the best conservation ambassadors. We need the help of all British Columbians to reach that goal. Our thanks to everyone who participated – both contestants and judges – and congratulations to our winners."
Contact:
Jennifer Young
BC Hydro Media Relations
Phone: 604 623 4376