Sep. 30--Third grader Ashton Smith said he learned a few valuable lessons Monday.

"I learned to save energy," the Garden City Elementary School student said. "I plan on doing it."

Thanks to a recent play at the school, Principal Susan Melton said she thinks the rest of her students learned a thing or two about the issue, as well.

"I hope they'll learn to be more wise about using and conserving energy," she said. "And, also learn more about energy and electricity."

The program, a live theatre production called "The Energized Guys," was performed for the students at the school on Monday. The play was hosted at Garden City thanks to a TVA grant Melton and her staff applied for. The program was done in conjunction with the Cullman Electric Cooperative and TVA.

The National Theatre for Children troupe performed the 25 minute production, which is described by the TVA as an "energy efficient adventure."

Melton said the program should teach the children about both science, and the environment.

"It's about science and conservation," she said. "We're going to talk to kids about using energy wisely, energy resources, and being more efficient."

As part of the program, students at Garden City Elementary received learning aids to further teach them about energy conservation.

"They have already sent some free materials for us to hand out," Melton said. "All of that has been provided free to us."

Cullman Co-op Communications Coordinator Brian Lacy said he believes the play is a great program for the students.

"This is an excellent program TVA is sponsoring, and we are proud to help co-sponsor this event locally," he said. "I think the children will really enjoy the show and learn some important lessons about energy efficiency."

Melton said the conservation education ties in well with the PALS (People Against a Littered State) initiative, which the school is also involved with.

"We also participate in the PALS clean campus program, and we're doing this in conjunction with that," she said. "We've won the past three years in the elementary level for the county PALS."

In addition to opening the student's eyes to environmental issues, Melton said the program also presented an opportunity to expose the children to the theatre.

"This seems like a very good activity, because I want the kids to have exposure to the theater, as well," she said. "So, they're getting science, drama and theater all together."

-- Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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