High School Seniors Tackle Municipal Issues In Writing Contest

NAPERVILLE, IL — An Illinois Municipal Utilities Association essay contest is open to high school seniors whose families are customers of Naperville Electric Utility. Each participant is required to write an essay of 500 words or less addressing one of three utility-related questions, and four students will win $500 scholarships.

The program serves to recognize scholastic achievement among young adults, according to a press release from the City of Naperville. It also creates awareness of the industry.

"Today's energy providers, including municipally-owned and operated utilities, face many economic, environmental and other challenges, which warrant creative and innovative solutions," Naperville Electric Utility Director Mark Curran said. "Creating a greater awareness of these issues among tomorrow's leaders can be the first step in helping to determine effective, long-term solutions, both now and into the future."

The 2018 IMUA Scholarship Program applications are open to students whose parents or legal guardians are residential customers of the Naperville Utility. The deadline for the application and essay is March 9. The competition is also open to other IMUA member communities statewide.

The finalists will be selected from a committee of municipality utility officials. Each will receive a framed certificate and a $500 scholarship. Winners will be announced in April. The IMUA scholarship program started in 2000 and has awarded more than $40,000 to 80 students. A Naperville resident, John "Jack" Williamson, was among last year's winners.

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