Published: May 31, 2009 08:44 pm      

Clauson Igniting Creative Energy

DUNCAN — It takes a little ingenuity and a spark of caring to find a way to aid the environment.

Jordan Clauson, who just completed fifth-grade at Horace Mann Elementary, found a bit of both. Jordan was selected as the state winner for the Igniting Creative Energy competition, which is sponsored by Johnnson Controls. The contest focuses on getting students to develop ways to save energy and protect the environment.

More than 530 entries, statewide, were submitted to the contest to find a way to promote taking care of the environment. Each entry had to have an explanation with it.

Jordan chose to talk about a music video she did with her peers in the Gifted and Talented program through Duncan Public Schools.

“It feels awesome,” she said about her state victory.

Cindy Parks, Gifted and Talented advisor, said the students worked hard on their projects and the explanations, and she is excited to have a state winner from Duncan.

“Students had to come up with ways to help the environment,” Parks said. “She won state.

“We’re excited.”

Not only did Jordan compete against her own classmates, she also participated with numerous students from first-graders to high school seniors.

During an awards assembly on May 21, Jordan was given a certificate of appreciation for her project and a solar charger. She was also presented an oversized check for $1,000 for the school.

Parks said it is a big deal for a student to be the state winner for such a competition. Jordan said she was left speechless by her success.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” Jordan said. “I’m just so happy.”

She said she chose the music video because she enjoyed the project she did with her peers and found the concept intriguing.

“It seemed so interesting,” Jordan said.

She said her class came up with several ideas on how to protect the environment, but the music video was something she found to be a bit more original. To pull off the concept, she relied on what she learned from Parks.

“Mrs. Parks helped me most of all,” Jordan said.