This story was compiled from a press release and additional reporting by GOOD Morning Wilton.
Wilton’s Jack Richardson, a sixth-grader at Middlebrook School, recently won a top award in the 20th Annual eesmarts Contest, which focuses on energy efficiency and conservation goals.
The 2025 contest was open to students in grades K-12 and featured grade-specific prompts to spark ideas for improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and reducing carbon footprints among families and communities. Over 500 students submitted projects such as poems, essays, posters, billboard ads, comic strips, videos and other creative ideas.
The contest was sponsored by Energize Connecticut in partnership with Eversource and three Avangrid subsidiaries — United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG).
According to the press release, Richardson took third place for his persuasive letter urging his parents to invest in an electric car and energy-efficient appliances — specifically including an Energy Star washing machine for the active family to save energy and water.
Richardson and 34 other finalists were recognized at an awards ceremony at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford on Tuesday, May 13. In addition to Wilton, finalists hailed from Andover, Avon, Bridgeport, Danbury, East Hartford, Ellington, Fairfield, Farmington, Franklin, Hamden, Marlborough, Meriden, Middlebury, New Haven, Newington, Reading, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Stonington, West Hartford and Wolcott.
GOOD Morning Wilton reached out to Richardson’s parents, Michelle Rowley and John Richardson, to connect with Jack about receiving the award.
“It was so inspiring to be in an environment where everyone was dedicated to a cleaner future,” Jack told GMW.
“I believe that energy efficient cars and appliances are our family’s path to a brighter and cleaner future,” he wrote in his award-winning letter.
His mother noted that Middlebrook science teacher Kelly DePiano had encouraged students to participate in the contest. DePiano, who teaches on the 6 Yellow team, sent an email to GMW explaining that students had prepared for the contest by researching ways to be energy efficient as well as learning about persuasive writing.
“Many students on 6 Yellow entered the contest in hopes one of them would win. We were so thrilled to hear Jack was a finalist,” DePiano wrote. “It really was heartwarming to see his fellow classmates genuinely happy for him. 6Yellow teachers and students are so very proud of Jack!”
Richardson’s father John echoed the sense of pride.
“We are so proud of our son and his teachers at Middlebrook for encouraging this focus on our future,” he said.
More information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873).