Monday May 24th, 2010 - Essay Contest Nets Burnaby Student First Hybrid Plug-in Bus in Canada

May 18 was no ordinary school day for Burnaby North Secondary student Jennifer Hao. Not only did she win an essay contest, but the prize was substantial by anyone’s standards: A new, hybrid plug-in school bus.

As winner of the first-ever essay contest for Canada’s Greenest School, Hao leapt from her seat in class when she learned the news. The bus, provided by IC Bus, is valued at around $200,000, and is the first of its kind to be produced in Canada. The vehicle has fuel efficiency of almost 65 percent better than conventional diesel school buses. Greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be approximately 33 percent lower. The plug-in bus recharges overnight and is ready for travel the next morning.

Hao also won a scholarship of $3,000 by winning the essay contest. She said she was surprised her writing had been chosen, as she accepted the award in the midst of family, friends and fellow students. She said she was honoured and excited about the achievement.

The contest generated well over 100 entries from students hoping to convince judges that theirs could be the most eco-friendly educational institution in Canada. Ten finalists were chosen. In a poll that included nearly 25,000 votes from around the country, Hao’s essay was chosen as the best. Donna Morgan, the teacher who assisted Hao, received a $500 grant for class supplies. Burnaby North will be the beneficiary of a LEED audit to improve its energy efficiency.

In her writing, Hao stated that because of the quantity of cars that block the main thoroughfares leading to Burnaby North, few students are able to walk or ride their bikes to school. She concluded that the use of hybrid buses would be a highly effective solution to cut down on pollution.