Way to Go: Eileen Cha, Levittown

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."

National Grid employees wore T-shirts that featured Eileen's design as they volunteered at company events on Earth Day. Eighty fifth-graders at Summit Lane also were given shirts, and the school received a $250 check from National Grid.

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