HARTFORD – Three students from Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford (SSDS) — all residents of West Hartford — were among a group of students selected as finalists in the 12th annual eesmarts Student Contest. Presented by Energize Connecticut in partnership with Eversource and the United Illuminating Company (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas, and the Southern Connecticut Gas Company, the eesmarts Student Contest invites Connecticut students in grades K-12 and college to create projects about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability.

Victoria Boustani took first place in the seventh grade category for her gubernatorial persuasive speech,’”Written as the Governor of Connecticut,” in which she discussed her policy regarding energy conservation, energy-efficient technologies and clean, renewable energy sources. She received a $200 Amazon gift card.

Talia Leshem was awarded second place in the fourth grade category for an article written for her local paper that included facts about energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation. She received a $100 Amazon gift card.

Sydney Huttner won third place in the grade three category for her fictional narrative that explained the importance of recycling to conserve Earth’s limited resources. She received a $50 Amazon gift card.