MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Residents aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, may not realize how much energy they are using on a daily basis, based on the fact they do not have to pay a monthly energy bill.
Matthew C. Perry Schools host an annual poster-making competition to get the students involved and aware of energy conservation. The Seabees aboard station judge the posters and choose a winner for grades: Kindergarten-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th and high school.
This year, overall electrical consumption for MCAS Iwakuni increased 4 percent from last year and could cause the station’s contract with its energy company to increase in 2014.
A budget is set and used to pay for the station electrical bill. Any extra money used comes out of the station operations budget, which could potentially decrease operational effectiveness and quality of life for residents.
The main purpose behind all the different styles of art and colors was to allow students to portray their different views of the same subject.
“The point of it is for energy conservation awareness for the kids at the school,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Brent Zimmerman, utilitiesman with station facilities. “You have to teach them when they are young to make sure they have that steady foundation to build on.”
This event helps students realize they have a voice, by giving them the chance to try and relay a message through artwork to station residents and visitors, said Sandra K. Lewis, the art teacher with M.C. Perry High School and Middle School.
“I think it’s great that we get to be part of base activity,” said Lewis. “It’s one way for the kids to be an important part of the base. If you start to make them realize that their voice makes a difference, then they have an important part here too.”
An award ceremony recognizing the energy conservation poster contest winners will be held in the M.C. Perry gymnasium Oct. 18, 2013. The winning posters are slated to be hung at high-trafficked areas aboard station, i.e. Crossroads Mall and Marine Corps Exchange, after the ceremony.