Joan Marie Wormus, chair of the Hoffman Estates Utility Commission, opened a public works open house by introducing trustees and Mayor Bill McCloud and saying students would receive awards in the commission’s “Energy Hog” essay contest.

The contest uses a character called the Energy Hog to teach children about wasteful behaviors — drafty doors and windows, lights left on, long showers and running water while brushing teeth — and aims to empower students to encourage energy-saving habits at home. Wormus said staff would visit Saint Hubert to deliver two consolation prizes so every participant would receive something for their effort.

First-place winner Ava Thomas read her winning essay aloud, which described an "Energy Island" where a teacher (transcribed as Zoran Hanserman) led a move to energy independence by introducing windmills. "Energy Island was once like us using nonrenewable energy until 1 day a teacher named Zoran Hanserman was selected to lead the energy independence project," Ava read. The essay continued that after local resistance, the community adopted windmills and "soon after that everyone was using renewable energy." The commission praised Thomas for researching the island and the teacher mentioned in her essay.

An on-stage commissioner who also serves as a local chamber director presented the 2025–26 community guide, a business resource directory and a "welcome home" booklet listing village restaurants. "We just have for you today, your 20 25, 20 26 community guide and business resource directory," the speaker said, inviting attendees to enjoy the event.

Joseph Neville, introduced as the director of public works and the commission liaison, thanked those who attended and the students and teachers who participated. "Wanna thank everybody for coming out to our public works open house, and obviously receiving the awards. The kids did a great job this year," Neville said.

The commission called up multiple student winners by name and presented awards to fourth-, third-, second- and first-place recipients; Wormus emphasized that every entrant would receive recognition. The event combined a family-facing public-works exhibition with civic outreach materials and the student award presentations.

The open house concluded with event organizers and officials thanking participants; staff will follow up with classroom visits to deliver consolation prizes and additional materials.