KISSIMMEE | April 22 is Earth Day. Fittingly, Holy Redeemer Catholic School third grader, Julianna, won grand prize for her art entered in the Kissimmee Utility Authority’s calendar contest, focused on “Energy and Conservation”. The theme is in keeping with all Catholics’ call to protect the Earth.

This year’s calendar showcases students giving tips on how to conserve energy. “Not only are we featuring artwork of local kids, but we are giving families tips on how to conserve energy through the artwork,” said Tiffany Henderson, director of corporate communications with KUA.

This is in line with Pope Francis’ statement in his encyclical, Laudato Si, “Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it. (#19) He later notes this is “an essential part of (our) faith” (#64).

It is the hope of KUA and Holy Redeemer students to encourage this responsibility, ushering in progress and change.

When asked, Julianna said the inspiration for her artwork was her mother.

Several other student artists also made it to the inside of the calendar. As an art teacher, Yvette Trejo said, “It definitely motivates the children every year. I like the awareness. They learn so much. It helps them teach their families about conservation.”

By Maria Del Amo, Special to the Florida Catholic, April 20, 2022