On Monday, April 8, millions of people across the United States witnessed a total eclipse of the sun, experiencing a rare celestial event where midafternoon turned into what seemed like midnight. In northeast Ohio, thousands of children were able to safely view the eclipse, thanks to the generosity of FirstEnergy.
FirstEnergy, in collaboration with Prevent Blindness of Northeast Ohio, provided over 70,000 pairs of ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses for students. Lorna Wisham, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement at FirstEnergy, expressed the company's joy in supporting the students, stating, "FirstEnergy is thrilled to have helped so many local students enjoy this incredible learning experience safely."
The effort was part of the Solar Eclipse Eye Safety Campaign, with Amy Pulles, President & CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio, emphasizing the importance of protecting eyes during such events. Pulles stated, “We wanted to help ensure that all eyes were protected while viewing this spectacular astral event – one not to be seen again in Ohio for more than 70 years.”
Louie the Lightning Bug, the mascot for FirstEnergy, made a special visit to Andrew J. Rickoff School in Cleveland, delivering 500 pairs of glasses and educating students on the eclipse. Additionally, FirstEnergy provided glasses to schools in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Akron Public Schools, ensuring that more children could safely experience the eclipse.
As the nation awaited the next eclipse, organizations like Astronomers Without Borders were already planning ahead. They are collecting gently used glasses to support underserved communities and schools worldwide for future solar eclipses.
The collaboration between FirstEnergy, Prevent Blindness of Northeast Ohio, and other sponsors not only enabled children in Ohio to witness the eclipse safely but also highlighted the importance of eye protection during such astronomical events.