Tamara Proctor teaches students about energy efficiency

There are some who say Tamara Proctor takes her job way too seriously.

The 17-year veteran of Mississippi Power says she doesn’t mind that observation because that’s what an Energy Efficiency Education representative does in and out of the office.

“I always share information on energy savings with family and friends,” said Proctor, whose office is usually an elementary school auditorium educating fourth and fifth graders on the importance of saving energy.

During the last two years, Proctor has made more than 50 visits to schools in the company’s service territory.

Her presentation features a detailed talk on Energy Efficiency tips and a short video. Then, she distributes energy efficiency kits, which include several CFL bulbs, an LED nightlight, a shower timer, a thermometer and temperature gauge and a questionnaire on their family’s energy habits.

For each grade, 75 percent participation means a $250 grant for the school.

“I love working with children and this position gives me an opportunity to interact with them to create an awareness of energy conservation and to help shape them into future energy efficiency experts,” she added.

When she’s not dispensing energy efficiency tips, you can find Proctor spending time with her husband Anthony, or maybe reading or gardening.

However, her proudest accomplishment is graduating from Jackson State University, becoming the first member of her father’s family to graduate from college.

“Since I graduated, I’ve had several relatives credit me with their motivation to further their education,” she said.