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SECO Energy Supports Local Students’ Field Trip to Kennedy Space Center

As the school year wraps up this spring, SECO Energy sponsored a field trip for local students to visit Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. As a supporter of STEM-based projects, SECO provided funding for bus transportation expenses as a sponsorship for 88 elementary and middle school students from Bushnell Elementary, Lake Panasoffkee Elementary, South Sumter Middle School, Webster Elementary and both Wildwood Elementary and Middle Schools.

 

At the Space Center, students learned about the scientific breakthroughs of the Apollo missions in the United States’ race to the moon. Students walked under the Saturn V rocket – the most massive rocket ever flown. Attendees got a close-up view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and used training simulators to learn about the complex systems and components involved in engineering the space shuttle. In the Shuttle Launch Simulator, students experienced first-hand the pull of gravity and its effects on humans.

 

SECO Energy Supports Local Students' Field Trip to Kennedy Space Center - elementary students
56 elementary students from Bushnell Elementary, Lake Panasoffkee Elementary, Webster Elementary and Wildwood Elementary Schools attend a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center with support from SECO Energy.

 

Rebecca McCorkle, Gifted Teacher for Sumter County Schools, stated, “At Kennedy Space Center, our students explored the authentic instruments, technology and space vehicles used by the astronauts, engineers and technicians of NASA. It was an immersive learning experience! Every student walked away with new STEM-related knowledge and an appreciation for STEM careers. We are so grateful to SECO for believing in the importance of the Gifted program and helping make these trips possible!”

SECO Energy Supports Local Students' Field Trip to Kennedy Space Center - middle school students
32 middle school students from South Sumter Middle and Wildwood Middle Schools attend a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center with support from SECO Energy.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy is pleased to play a role in supporting student activities that encourage them to consider a STEM-related career. Sponsoring educational youth programs encompasses two key cooperative principles Education, Training and Information, as well as Concern for Community. SECO Energy and the energy industry are hiring enthusiastic employees with an interest in STEM-focused careers. We also support local students through our yearly scholarship program and various community activities.”

 

Visit SECO Energy’s Community page to learn more about the not-for-profit electric cooperative’s community involvement. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Contributes $3,000 to Sumter County’s Schools Enhancement Foundation

SECO Energy has contributed $3,000 for Sumter County school students through the Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation. As a local not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO believes its contribution bolsters the community and provides much needed financial assistance to dedicated educators.

 

Through its partnership with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF), the Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation maximizes the individual and collective strength of Florida local education foundations to support local partners and schools. The CFEF builds partnerships between local education foundations and businesses that impact students in the classroom.

 

Collectively, CFEF member education foundations raise $63 million annually to fund initiatives that increase Florida’s students’ achievements. These investments fund programs not covered by tax dollars. Investments include student scholarships, mentoring and drop-out prevention strategies, teaching innovation and recognition programs, classroom grants, college readiness and access programs, literacy improvement strategies, technical/career education initiatives and targeted support for low-performing students and schools.

 

SECO Energy’s $3,000 contribution can also be used to support back-to-school activities, teachers’ luncheons, training sessions and classroom supplies. The donated funds are provided for the benefit of teachers and students in Sumter County schools.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a not-for-profit cooperative, SECO supports its members by participating in community endeavors that support education. We have deep roots in Sumter County – our corporate headquarters is located in Sumterville and we serve over 62,000 families and businesses in this county alone. Financially supporting education is an investment in future community leaders, members and possibly future employees. SECO is honored to donate $3,000 to the Sumter County Schools Enhancement Foundation to strengthen education in the community.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.