2009 Scholarship Essay of
NICHOLAS RAYMOND
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Nicholas Raymond has just graduated from Eustis High School. He will attend Lake Sumter Community
Engineering Club, Nicholas has demonstrated his enthusiasm for projects that improve daily living. As an a
willing learner and clearly excited about being involved in the Year of Change. Below is his essay, for which
he was awarded one of our two $500 scholarships for 2009 graduates.
2009 is the year of change. One way in which I would promote change would be to implement a project that I
am currently working on: The Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) will be the transportation of choice for our
community members. Currently our growing population finds it difficult to manipulate and/or operate a vehicle
around town. Many people within my community suffer from various health, physical or other disabilities
because of the toxins and pollution from emission producing vehicles. This form of transportation will allow
the freedom to reach nearby destinations critical to their everyday needs with much more efficiency and less
emissions which pollute our earth. Let me briefly touch upon some of that the NEV will have to offer my
community.
The electrical powered NEV averages about thirty to forty miles on a single charge. NEV’s come in a 6
passenger series, yet busses can be obtained by small communities seating up to 14 passengers. The
average top speed of most NEVs is about thirty to forty miles an hour and they will produce no emissions.
These NEV’s are all electric powered using a range of battery and volt combinations. This versatile battery
and volt combinations are one of the many assets to the NEV. The brain of the NEV or the computer, the
mechanism that tells the vehicle to go when the pedal is applied, can be adjusted for various applications.
For some may want more speed rather than torque and vice versa. Another terrific feature NEV’s possesses
is the openness or enclosure styles. Some NEV’S look like mini cars and some look like a retro golf cart. The
NEV is compact and versatile in spaces easily equipped for such a small but powerful and life saving vehicle.
My community has installed a charging system for community members which give access a free charge to
these vehicles at any time. These charging systems have been placed in central downtown Eustis which
allow the photoelectric powered units be accessed free of charge and at any time when necessary. That
means the energy used to charge the NEV’s comes directly from the sun. This wonderful stationary charging
station is located in a convenient location with public access at any time of the day. Already we see the work
in progress and change in 2009. Working with a city that has the community’s best interest at heart is a
healthy change in 2009. I think of the money that, the energy and the health of our civilians for the future are
and will be astounding. To think that I will be a part of this is just one part of the whole needed every day in
this community.
Not only to NEV’s consist of the already stated benefits and features, they also come in various makes and
models. Styles range from Japanese, German and French designs. Some truck, car and even minivan
styles. These NEV’s are the next best thing since the SMART CAR or the Hybrids which exist and are seen
on the road today. There is nothing like it and its destiny is to be the future vehicle of choice in our
neighborhoods and our towns. There will be no doubt about it, hand down when looking at something this
economical and green. Terrific styles such as openness like golf carts or an enclosure like cars depend on
one’s taste for style. There is an NEV for everybody.
Last year the State of Minnesota experienced a forty percent pollution accumulation of hazardous toxins. His
astounding number could even be deadly to the population. The NEV can only serve as an earth friendly
asset to my community and to the world. Steps must be taken one at a time and therefore it will take one
town at a time. Working currently with the community and the community leaders who are also interested in
going GREEN in our city will make me proud for my community. This is the only time that will measure the
progress that will affect change in my community in 2009. An engineering degree will allow me to give back to
my community. TO give back to change and the power of one will make for a proud city and a proud
community. To bring this community up to date and also energy efficient GREEN will lift community spirit and
community strength. I am delighted to be part of this change in 2009. Eustis will be a City of Change for the
year 2009 and I will be a part of that Change.
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