Templeton Wind Turbine Named for Local Science Teacher

On Sept. 19, Templeton's 1.65-megawatt wind turbine was named the John R.S. LeClerc Wind Turbine in honor of Narragansett Regional Middle School technology teacher John LeClerc, who started the project as a way of teaching his classes about renewable energy. The 383-foot-high wind turbine with 122-foot-long blades is located near a running track behind Narragansett Regional Middle-High School.

At least 150 people attended the dedication facilitated by Templeton Light and Water Department General Manager Sean Hamilton and applauded by state and local officials.

State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, discussed the long winding road that LeClerc, who is battling brain cancer, has taken to achieve his goals and praised him as a visionary and a teacher who has changed the way many look at energy.

"The exciting part of this project is as an example of a small town taking the bull by the horns and leading the way for others to follow," said Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray. "It was a tech ed teacher that taught his class and industry to come together and complete the project."

Six years ago, LeClerc and Hamilton formed the Green Energy Educational Collaborative and obtained grants for equipment to study wind power. School Superintendent Roseli Weiss said LeClerc was an example of a teacher who met the needs of students, who will continue to learn about green energy by studying the turbine.

LeClerc called Hamilton a workhorse.

"Sean is relentless and will do whatever it takes, however it takes, to do something for the kids," he said.

The resulting turbine is expected to eventually generate 3.5 kilowatts per year to help lower the cost of energy to the school and the town.

(clockwise) Templeton Light and Water Department General Manager Sean Hamilton facilitates dedication of the wind turbine and John LeClerc accepts the honor of having it named after him. School Superintendent Roseli Weiss, along with nearly 150 attendees, congratulate and applaud LeClerc.