Rand Rosecrans, the culinary arts teacher and an organizer of this year’s rural energy conservation conference, wants to educate the students in order to help them face the complex and difficult challenges of providing energy to rural Alaska.

“Our students are our bright and shining hope to the future of Alaska; I want them involved because we need to have their vitality, energy and fresh perspective, brought to bear on this immense challenge,” said Mr. Rosecrans. He is also a Galena city council member.

Rosecrans’ interest in conserving energy began when the gas prices rose to $6 a gallon.

“I believe, as adults, we have the responsibility to try to teach our students and fellow citizens how to live in a more frugal and environmental manner,” said Mr. Rosecrans.

To prepare for the conference, the energy conference committee will have to contact presenters, send invitations out, develop contests, projects, events, plan for logistics, and meet and communicate on regular basis.

            Mr.  Rosecrans said a former resident of Galena, Cynthia Erickson, came up with the idea of having an energy conference this year. The Alaskan Rural Energy Conference is to be held on April 2 – 4  on the campus of the Galena Interior Learning Academy to bring together students and citizens of the village to explore ways and methods to conserve our valuable resources.