Dr. Cool, Jim Dobrowoloski; Elmo Roebuck; VI Energy Office Director; Alice Krall, Project Manager, IGLA; Lisa Penn, JESS Assistant Principal; Marion Lynch-Esannason, JESS Principal; Marvin Blyden, 31th Legislature Senator, Vice-Chairman on Energy and Environmental Protection Committee; Fernando Montana, International Regional Sales Manager, Mitsubishi Electric; Michael Harrigan, Deputy Superintendent STTJ District; Harith Wickrema, President, IGLA; Gina Larrea, Mitsubishi Electric Marketing representative
The Julius E. Sprauve School (JESS) in St. John received eco-friendly A/C units from Mitsubishi Electric during the summer under the “Cool the School” campaign organized by the Islands Green Living Association (IGLA) of St. John. School administrators and students held an assembly on Wednesday, October 5 in the newly chilled cafeteria to recognize and thank the project’s donors.
Mitsubishi Electric HVAC funneled approximately $35,000 worth of air conditioning units into the Cruz Bay school that allowed for air conditioners to be installed in the cafeteria and a social studies classroom. Mechanical services provider, Jim Dobrowolski, affectionately known as Dr. Cool, installed the units.
“St. John has been my second home for many, many years,” Dr. Cool began, “when I come here, I love to walk by the school and see all the kids out playing on the ball field. So, to be able to give back to the kids on island, it just warms my heart.” Mitsubishi Electric representatives gave a brief presentation on the types of AC units installed in the school, and handed out prizes following a trivia game with third, fourth, and fifth grade students.
“It’s good to see that you guys are just a little bit cold; it lets me know that my systems are working very, very well,” said Fernando Montano, international regional sales manager at Mitsubishi Electric. “Thank you to you for allowing us the opportunity to help and serve your school. You have a wonderful school on a beautiful island. Enjoy the air conditioning.”
JESS Assistant Principal Lisa Penn expressed her excitement at the timeliness of the units’ installation. “In the past, we held our parent orientations in the heat of the cafeteria, so we’re very grateful to have had them in a cool space this year,” she said. School administrators also facilitated the composition of thank you cards on behalf of the students to be presented to Dr. Cool, Mitsubishi Electric HVAC and IGLA.
Alice Krall, project manager with IGLA, began the “Cool the School” effort eight months ago and employed the assistance of Dr. Cool and Mitsubishi Electric, who expressed their interest in helping the community school. Krall said she saw the need for central air in schools. “I’m having maintenance and electrical crews go to the different schools to identify what classrooms are in need of A/C units and getting estimates,” she said. Krall and IGLA have plans to secure more local and corporate funds to introduce “Cool the School” to other schools within the St. Thomas-St. John district.
St. Thomas-St. John Deputy Superintendent Michael Harrigan expressed his satisfaction with the public-private partnership and reassured the crowd that it is all about the students. “Students, you are the big benefactors of the efforts of Dr. Cool and Mitsubishi Electric,” Deputy Superintendent Harrigan said.
Senator Marvin Blyden, officials from the V.I. Energy Office and other members of IGLA attended the event and gave remarks on the budding partnership and initiative to cool the schools in the territory in an eco-friendly and energy efficient way.
Mitsubishi Electric representatives Gina Larrea and Fernando Montano with JESS 4th grader, Keysha Gil Perez , trivia question winner.
Dr. Cool give remarks at "Cool the School" launch as Senator Marvin Blyden looks on.
New A/C unit donated by Mitsubishi Electric in the cafeteria.
Students enjoy trivia game about energy efficiency and what it takes to make an A/C work.
Deputy Superintendent Michael Harrigan gives remarks at "Cool the School" campaign launch.
Assistant Principal Lisa Penn walks students into the assembly thanking sponsors for new A/C units in the school.
Principal Marion Lynch-Esannason expresses gratitude on the donation of A/C units.
