More than 750 students from Roskruge Bilingual Magnet School in Tucson Unified School District have learned how energy is made and how energy efficiency can help protect natural resources, thanks to the efforts of middle school science teacher Carmen Griffin.

Griffin, who has been participating in Bright Students since 2018, was honored for her efforts in the classroom in a ceremony at her school on Thursday.

The Bright Students program, offered through Tucson Electric Power, gives thousands of students each year the tools to become more sustainable and conserve energy at home. Griffin has scheduled 37 such presentations over her tenure as a teacher.

Griffin received a certificate of appreciation, along with a gift basket filled with a $100 gift card and school supplies to support her academic efforts. The basket also included energy efficiency products.

“Hundreds of youngsters have not only learned how to be energy efficient themselves but have been able to bring their knowledge home to their families and their community, thanks to Mrs. Griffin’s efforts,” said Michelle Morley, TEP’s Program Manager for Customer Programs and Services. “We’re grateful for her efforts to share the important ways we all have a part to play in conserving our natural resources.”

Griffin, who said the recognition was a nice surprise, said she appreciates that the program encourages interactive participation from the students.

“TEP energy program presentations allow my students to have a real-world experience in their community,” she said. “They leave with an understanding of the importance of conserving energy, and the importance of renewable and nonrenewable energy in our future.”

As a teacher teaching sixth through eighth grade students, she said it’s helpful that the content is adjusted by grade level as well.

Learn more about how TEP supports teachers or for information on classroom resources.