Recent New London High School graduate Ellie Madsen made quite the difference in her school. Madsen, 18 met with the New London School District to switch out their fluorescent lighting for LED lighting for this spring. The upgrade initially cost $138,000, but in the long run her idea is going to save the district $55,800 in energy savings and maintenance costs annually. It will take up to three years to make back to money they spent on the upgrades but the board members all approved knowing the positive results. The lights were installed late during the school year.