A pair of Poplar Bluff High School students were awarded $500 for creating a radio commercial that focuses on the prevention of school bus stop-arm violations as part of a statewide effort.
Jasmin Martinez-Peinado, a sophomore, and junior Bryden Fuemmeler submitted the winning entry in the Show-Me I’m Worth Stopping For contest out of 115 total across Missouri, according to Amy Roderick, director of the Missouri School Boards’ Association Center for Education Safety (CES).
“We are thrilled to announce the winner of the student contest and extend our warmest congratulations to the students from Poplar Bluff High School for the outstanding contribution,” stated Roderick, who hand-delivered the award on Tuesday, March 7. “Their submission exemplifies the creativity and passion that Missouri students bring to the table in championing important issues.”
The top three K-12 student entries in the categories of video, audio recording and poster received prizes ranging from $250-$1,500, funded through the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety and Traffic Division. The PBHS duo pledged to donate $100 apiece to Student Council and Special Olympics Missouri.
Bryden explained how he and his project partner researched the purpose of the initiative, looked up statics on stop-arm violations, then listened to other public service announcements during leadership class with communication arts teacher Jennie Randolph. “Keep your focus on the road ahead of you because you never know when a child will be crossing the road,” Jasmine said in part during the recorded commercial.
About 50 R-I students from elementary to high school submitted art and other multimedia toward the cause, and the Transportation Department ranked the contest entries at the district level, rewarding lunch parties for participation. The top entries were then forwarded along to the state to be judged among the other competing districts, according to Transportation Director Jon McKinney.
The initiative was a collaborative effort between the CES and multiple traffic safety partners to raise awareness for drivers illegally passing buses with their stop signs out and red lights flashing. The end goal is to make a single major impact on roadway safety, according to an MSBA press release.
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Cutline: Amy Roderick of the MSBA Center for Education Safety presents a check on Tuesday, March 7, to PBHS students Bryden Fuemmeler and Jasmin Martinez-Peinado, along with their leadership elective teacher Jennie Randolph (far right) of the Communication Arts Department.