THE SOLAR CHARGER PROJECTExcerpts from 1/21/2025 Colorado Media Highlands Ranch Herald
Interact Club students from Mountain Vista High School and Mountain Ridge Middle School work with the Highlands Ranch Rotary Club to assemble solar panels with USB chargers that will be shipped to Ukraine. Credit: Haley Lena
Connecting with Ukraine: Highlands Ranch students assemble solar panels for schools and hospitals in Ukraine - Highlands Ranch Herald (full article) About 50 students split into groups and worked with Rotarians to assemble more than 20 panels. Students write encouraging messages such as “Stay Strong” and draw artwork on the backs of the solar panels for those in Urkraine who will be using the panels.
Speaking to the students about the importance of the panels, Lenec told them that they were all peace builders. As a first-generation American, Broomfield resident Andy Lenec was steeped in the language and culture of Ukraine. His parents were political refugees who relocated to the United States after World War II to escape Russian occupation. “These messages of support are priceless,” Lenec said.
As students stripped wires, connected USB devices and decorated the panels, they heard about the impact directly from Ukraine as Lenec held a Zoom call with Ukrainian Rotarians. Including the packaging and shipping the total cost is around $125 per panel. The Highlands Ranch Rotary club provided a grant and hopes to hold what Lenec calls a “low cost, high impact” project about four times a year.
“The war is still going on,” said Berzins. “Even if it ends tomorrow, they still won’t have power and we’ve got to recognize that. Getting the infrastructure back into Ukraine is going to take some time.”
Credit: Colorado Community Media 1/21/2025
Highlands Ranch Herald