Lake Lure Classical Academy celebrated its new 5.2 photovoltaic solar panel with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday.

The project was made possible by three $10,000 grants — one from NC GreenPower, one from the State Employees Credit Union and one from Facebook — plus smaller donations by staff and community members.

Former LLCA science teacher Ryan Lubbers and 2016 graduate Tanner Riley were the driving forces in making the educational resource happen.

This pole-mounted system and related curriculum will serve as a source of hands-on, environmentally aware and high-tech learning for LLCA students and will help offset $700 of the school’s annual electricity usage.

LLCA is a tuition-free, public charter school that educates children from the Tryon area, from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Those interested in learning more may visit llca.teamcfa.school.

– Submitted by Joanne Lynch