Folsom high school students score big at SMUD Energy Summit

Students from Folsom high schools represented the city proudly during SMUD's Emerging Leaders Energy Summit. Students from across the region gathered at the Aerospace Museum of California on Jan. 17 for the event. Students showcased community service projects focused on this year's theme, Fueling the Future – Where Food Meets Energy. Their work highlighted the connection between sustainability efforts in energy and food. The summit gave students a chance to share how they plan to make a real impact in their communities around climate change and sustainability. After months of developing their projects, students presented posters and ideas to judges in hopes of winning a scholarship. The event wrapped up a journey that started last September, when students spent three days learning from experts about the links between food, energy and climate change — insights that fueled their projects and passion. "We're proud to support these emerging leaders," said SMUD Chief Diversity Officer Jose Bodipo-Memba. "They're learning about the challenges of climate change and taking real action in their communities to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. It's exciting to see the next generation lead the way." The competition was fierce, as teams went head to head for $2,000 scholarships. Winners included teams from: * JAM, Vista del Lago High School. * EcoVisionaries, Folsom and Vista del Lago high schools. * Verdant Volt, Cosumnes Oaks. * Team Lorax, NP3. * Next Gen Innovators, Sacramento State. * Lafobo Group Inc., Sacramento City College. * Saviors, Sacramento City College.