Energy company recognized for social consciousness

Devon Energy Corp. earned a Responsible Canadian Energy Award for its efforts to establish a secondary school in Conklin, northern Alberta. While establishing operations at its Jackfish project, Devon officials learned that students in the area had to leave home to attend high school. In response to the situation, Devon brought community partners together—the Northlands School Division, the Sunchild E-Learning Program (deliverers of an innovative, online teaching model), the Conklin local school board and community leadership – and provided the financial, human resources and direct support needed to establish a high school in the community. A prefabricated building was brought in, the ground prepared and services such as power, gas, and sewer, hooked up and in 2010 the Conklin school opened its doors to 11 students. A year-and-a-half later, the majority of the students are still with the program. Devon Energy Corp., an Oklahoma City-based company, earned the Social Performance Award for its efforts.