SAN ANTONIO (May 11, 2016) — Twenty-nine “Safety Superheroes” were selected from more than 4,000 entries and recognized Wednesday at VIA Metropolitan Transit’s annual Youth Art Contest luncheon. The pre-K though 12th-grade students were honored as the winners of this year’s competition that challenged young artists to “Be a Safety Superhero in Our Community.” From superhero buses and robots, to local landmarks and traffic safety tips, the entries creatively captured the spirit of the “VIAware: Stop. Look. Listen.” message that encourages safe riding, walking, and cycling.
“I am impressed at the level of complexity these young artists have achieved through their art work,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “Now in its 21st-year, VIA’s Youth Art Contest allows us to engage students, educators and families as community ambassadors for public transportation and safety.”
The Best of Show winner for 2016 is Thanh Nguyen, a 10th-grade student at Roosevelt High School. She received a $250 award and tickets to Alamo City Comic Con, courtesy of the event organizers. First- and second-place winners in grades pre-K through 12 also received cash prizes. Winning artwork will be showcased on bus interiors throughout VIA’s fleet in June.
The 2016 Youth Art Contest was sponsored by Clear Channel Outdoor. A complete list of the 2016 VIA Youth Art Contest winners follows:
Pre-Kinder
1st Place: Molly Lawhorn, The Little School of Keystone
2nd Place: Zoe Hughes, St. James the Apostle Catholic School
Kindergarten
1st Place: Sydney Hinojosa, Colonies North Elementary
2nd Place: Elijah Tovar, Myers Elementary
First Grade
1st Place: Keyla Alonso, Wilson Elementary
2nd Place: Gage Garcia, La Promesa Christian Academy
Second Grade
1st Place: Alice Lee, Canyon Ridge Elementary
2nd Place: Angelique Gaona, H.B. Gonzalez Elementary
Third Grade
1st Place: Brianna Garza, Scobee Elementary
2nd Place: Willow Brooks, Wetmore Elementary
Fourth Grade
1st Place: Madison Torrez, Elrod Elementary
2nd Place: Rufus Wilson V, Ward Elementary
Fifth Grade
1st Place: Christopher Coleto, Lewis Elementary
2nd Place: Cielo Herrera, Neal Elementary
Sixth Grade
1st Place: Madison Mesa, Nimitz Middle School
2nd Place: Karalyn Niravong, Luna Middle School
Seventh Grade
1st Place: Amanda Rodriguez, Holy Cross of San Antonio
2nd Place: Graciela Herrera, Krueger Middle School
Eighth Grade
1st Place: Ana Davila, Luna Middle School
2nd Place: Mia Ralls, Cole Middle School
Ninth Grade
1st Place: Sarahi Rivas, School of Science & Technology
2nd Place: Elisabeth Wang, Health Careers High School
Tenth Grade
1st Place: Allison Lobitz, Roosevelt High School
2nd Place: Marvin Valenzuela, Wagner High School
Eleventh Grade
1st Place: Vanessa Perez, Roosevelt High School
2nd Place: Kathryn Loughery, Judson High School
Twelfth Grade
1st Place: Michaela Stainthorpe, Roosevelt High School
2nd Place: Giselle Hernandez, Athlos Leadership Academy SA High School
BEST OF SHOW: Thanh Nguyen, 10th Grade, Roosevelt High School
VIA Metropolitan Transit provides public transportation services to 13 cities in the Greater San Antonio Region and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County. VIA operates seven days a week on 90 routes and provided 41 million rides across the region in 2015. VIA’s mission is to enhance the community’s quality of life by providing regional and customer-oriented public transportation that is dependable, cost-effective and enticing to more riders. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit www.VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on www.Facebook.com/VIATransit, www.Twitter.com/VIA_Transit, and www.Instagram.com/VIATransit.