Via Metropolitan Transit honored the winners of its Youth Art Contest at an awards luncheon held May 14 in The Grand at Via Villa. From depictions of local landmarks to expressions of the creative process itself, the imagination of our local youth truly captured the spirit of our vibrant San Antonio community.
“We have been holding the Youth Art Contest for 20 years now, and we are grateful for the opportunity it gives us to engage the younger segments of our community,” said Via President/CEO Jeff Arndt. “This contest allows Via to share the benefits of public transportation with students from Pre-K through 12th grade while also giving them an outlet for their creativity.”
The theme for this year’s contest was “Via’s 20th Anniversary Youth Art Contest! Illustrating Via’s Commitment to Community.” The contest was open to children in grade levels Pre-K through 12 in the San Antonio region, and nearly 6,000 entries were submitted. Awards were given for first and second place in each grade level, and the overall “Best of Show” award was presented to Thanh Nguyen of Roosevelt High School.
Each 1st place winner received a $50 award, each 2nd place winner received a $25 award, and the Best of Show winner received a $250 award. Each winner also received a tote bag from the American Diabetes Association, two movie tickets from Santikos Theatres, and a $10 gift card from Walgreens along with school supplies. The artwork of all the winners will be displayed on VIA’s Classroom on Wheels bus for one year, and the rest of the entries will be distributed throughout VIA’s fleet for the month of June. The Best of Show artwork will also be displayed on the outsides of two Via buses.
