Twenty-nine winning entries earn top honors

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Best of Show winner and Roosevelt High School senior Angelina Gallegos (second from left) is joined by Roosevelt principal Melvin Echard, art teacher Kendra Slaughter, guest speaker Rob Wicall and VIA Community Engagement Specialist Jerri Ann Jones.

SAN ANTONIO (May 16, 2018) – VIA Metropolitan Transit announced the winners of its 23rd Annual Youth Art Contest on Wednesday, highlighting its commitment to develop local talent, while bringing awareness to public transit in the region.

This year’s theme, “Driving the Future,” attracted more than 2,000 original art pieces from students in grades pre-K through 12 in the VIA service area. A total of 29 winning entries – first and second place in each grade and one Best Of Show – were selected by a panel of judges.  Students were encouraged to express their vision about transportation of tomorrow.

“After seeing the winning entries on display, I must say I’m amazed by the talent represented,” VIA Vice President of Public Engagement Jon Gary Herrera said. “Each piece is a masterpiece, and I am thrilled to showcase the work here at the Grand, VIA’s corporate headquarters, as well as on our buses so a large audience can enjoy the impressive works created.”

Wednesday’s awards announcement featured motivational speaker by Rob Wicall, who spent 20 years as the man in the San Antonio Spurs Coyote costume before retiring three years ago. He encouraged to students to set sights on goals, plan, and then carry it out, much like they did with their winning art work.

See Each Winning Art Work Entry

Roosevelt High School senior Angelina Gallegos was named Best of Show, and her artwork is featured on the exterior of two VIA buses, courtesy of Clear Channel Outdoor.  All of the winning selections will be showcased in the rotunda at the Grand at VIA Villa through the end of May.

VIA provides regional multimodal transportation options that connect our community to opportunity, support economic vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout our region. VIA, recognized by the Texas Transit Association in 2016 as the outstanding Metro Transit Authority of the year, serves 14 member cities and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, operating seven days a week on 90 routes. Last year, VIA provided 40 million rides across the region. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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The winners of the 2018 VIA Youth Art Contest are joined by guest speaker Rob Wicall (far left) and VIA Community Engagement Specialist Jerri Ann Jones (far right), in front of a bus featuring Roosevelt High School senior Angelina Gallegos’ entry, which was selected Best of Show.

2018 VIA Youth Art Contest Winners

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