ST. LOUIS – The children at Lawson Elementary School likely don’t understand the infrastructure that powers their school, brightly lighting classrooms or supporting teaching technology.  But doughnuts for the best attendance in the Hazelwood School District… … that’s a mouth-watering achievement.  So, the 360 students at Lawson were all a glow when the IBEW Local 1 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) delivered the sugary treat for their diligence in attending school.  It was just one of several community initiatives by the EWMC that earned it a Community Partner Award at the Dec. 12, 2023 Hazelwood School Board meeting.

Led by EWMC founder Sylvester Taylor, students are provided information on the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center at Hazelwood School District career fairs.  It has trained more highly skilled and safe electricians and communications technicians than any program in Missouri.  On Nov. 28, 2023, the EWMC donated 200 coats to the district in its annual coat drive and returned in December to reward Lawson Elementary’s attendance record.

Left to right, Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, Sylvester Taylor, EWMC founder and director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Electrical Connection, and Lawson Elementary Principal Melissa Adkins.

“Our work is not done when we put down our tools after finishing a project,” noted Taylor. “We want to continue supporting the Hazelwood School District and its dedication to the families it serves because we all have a stake in its success.” Taylor is a member of the Hazelwood School Board and is also director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Electrical Connection, a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The Electrical Connection partnership provides safe and reliable commercial, industrial and residential electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. It is an important resource for business and civic leadership for new technology, including disruptive technologies, advancing electrical and communication infrastructure.  Learn more at www.electricalconnection.org.