Photo Courtesy of DOT
This entry from MS 226 in South Ozone Park earned First Place honors in the Poster category
By Michael V. Cusenza
The City Department of Transportation recently revealed the six borough public schools that were winners of this year’s “We’re Walking Here” competition:
• First Place, Video Category: Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School (Astoria)
• Second Place, Video Category: PS 94 (Little Neck)
• Third Place, Video Category: MS 210 (Ozone Park)
• First Place, Poster Category: MS 226 (South Ozone Park)
• Second Place, Poster Category: Al-Ihsan Academy (South Ozone Park)
• Third Place, Poster Category: PS 16 (Corona)
In the annual contest, schools compete to develop creative public-service announcements that encourage walking and other active lifestyle choices. The competition builds on the City’s Vision Zero efforts that aim to educate New Yorkers about shared responsibility when it comes to street safety, according to DOT.
“With more than 100 schools participating, this year’s winning entries have really connected to the critical message of Vision Zero,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.
The contest, which is open to all City public schools, launched last October in conjunction with International Walk-to-School Day. Participants download grade-specific lesson plans developed by DOT’s Safety Education and Outreach division. The first place winners for this year’s competition receive a $1,000 grant, the second place schools receive a $500 prize, and third place schools receive a $250. All prize money is provided by the Safe Streets Fund, a private-public partnership dedicated to promoting safer streets, especially among students.
“Queens is so proud of our students who produced such compelling PSAs that prioritize safety and healthy active lifestyle choices for all New Yorkers,” said Borough President Melinda Katz. “Congratulations to the winning entrants – all of whom happen to be from Queens! – and all the participants in this year’s citywide competition. Thank you to the folks at DOT for hosting such creative educational initiatives to promote safety and Vision Zero.”
