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
