Johnston High School Senior Class Leaves Mark on Turbine Blade

November 14, 2018 5:25 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – If you haven’t seen them yet, chances are you will notice them the next time you travel anywhere near Johnston. Seven new wind turbines are under construction in the southwestern corner of town. As the project nears completion, the developer gave seniors at Johnston High School an opportunity to leave their mark on one of those turbines.

Johnston High School Principal Dennis Morrell says, “Johnston High School is unique in the sense that it is full of traditions, and they like things that go on for a long time. Legacy means a lot to them.”

The entire class of 2019, 180 strong, left their legacy on the new wind farm by doing something high school kids are usually encouraged not to do: by writing on it.

Morrell says, “We thought it would be a great idea to have all the kids sign one of the blades that are going to be up right in view of our school, up on the hill.”

The 200-foot long 18,000 pound blade is expected to stay in service for the next 25 years as part of the largest onshore wind farm in southern New England.

Johnston High School Senior Ian Quinton Banno says, “Just being able to look at one of the wind turbines that’s going to be put up and being able to tell everybody ‘I put my name on that.’ That’s going to be really cool.”

As part of the ceremony, Green Development, the developer of the wind farm, handed over a check for $175,000 as a scholarship fund for the town. It’s one of several ways the town will benefit financially from hosting the wind farm. The company’s chairman encouraged students at the ceremony to consider careers in the clean energy field.