Eileen Cha, a fifth-grader at Summit Lane Elementary School in...

Eileen Cha, a fifth-grader at Summit Lane Elementary School in Levittown, recently topped more than 1,600 entries statewide to take first place in a T-shirt design contest coordinated by National Grid. Credit: handout

Fifth-grader Eileen Cha created an award-winning way to convey energy efficiency and "Happy Birthday" wishes.

A T-shirt design by the student at Levittown's Summit Lane Elementary School topped more than 1,600 entries statewide to win first place this month in a contest coordinated by National Grid.

The competition was held in recognition of Earth Day and the 20th anniversary of Energy Star, a federal program that aims to protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

Cha's design featured a yellow washing machine, a red microwave and a white toaster stacked to represent a birthday cake, with a bulb as a candle.

"The first thing that came to my mind was a birthday cake," Cha, 11, said of brainstorming for a design. "I was really proud of myself when I won."

"Eileen is a very talented artist," said Deborah Breen, her fifth-grade teacher. "She is an asset to the class and a role model."

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