The Cheatham County School District hosted a “Flip the Switch” celebration ceremony on Tuesday, February 20 on Sycamore High School's new outdoor solar classroom.
As part of its “Connected Communities” initiative, the Tennessee Valley Authority awarded a grant to the district to construct a 50kW solar array on the SHS campus.
The solar project supports the development of a new Career and Technical Education program focused on electrical systems and battery technology.
In addition to the future workforce opportunities the solar project brings to our high school students, our elementary and middle schools will see benefits through field trips, science and STEM experiments, and career exploration opportunities tied to the on-campus facility.
Cheatham County resident Jane Crisp, on behalf of her late husband Doug O’Rear, made a personal financial commitment to the project to allow the district to successfully compete for and earn the opportunity to bring this opportunity to our community and students.
A groundbreaking on the project was held in November 2022, and construction on the project was completed in the fall of 2023.
Local and school officials as well as representatives from TVA, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, and project partners Wilmot and LightWave Solar attended the ceremony.
The SHS Hospitality Club served refreshments following the ceremony.