Editor’s note: Art Takes a Bus Ride photos
Media Contact: Mahmoud Abunie, 650.730.6201
SamTrans has announced the winners of the annual county-wide student art competition Art Takes a Bus Ride. The awards ceremony took place at the May board meeting.
The winning artists, who are in kindergarten through 11th grade, were asked to illustrate the theme “Exploring Nature with SamTrans.” This is the 16th year that SamTrans has partnered with the San Mateo County Office of Education to sponsor the contest, which engages students in the classroom and emphasizes arts in the community.
More than 100 submissions were received this year from schools throughout San Mateo County. A panel comprised of members from the San Mateo County Arts Commission selected the winning contestants.
The students, accompanied by their families and teachers, were honored by SamTrans Board members, and were then treated to the unveiling of two special SamTrans buses featuring the students’ works of art. “It was exciting to see all the students and their families celebrate this wonderful event. SamTrans is proud to support young students and promote their creative spirit,” SamTrans Board Chair, Marina Fraser.
The winning artists received a framed copy of the bus ad card showcasing their art and SamTrans gifts. Their teachers received a gift certificate for arts supplies. The two wrapped buses will be operating in regular SamTrans service throughout the year in San Mateo County.
"I couldn't be prouder of the student winners of the SamTrans Art Takes a Bus Ride competition. Their incredible artwork beautifully captures the theme of 'Exploring Nature with SamTrans' and showcases the talent and creativity of our youth. These young artists have brought nature's beauty to life and highlighted the importance of sustainable transportation in our community. SMCOE is honored to support and celebrate their achievements," said Allison Gamlen, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for the San Mateo County Office of Education.
Winning Entries
Luna Dai, kindergarten
Hillsborough West School
Bowen Hou, first grade
College Park Elementary School
Seher Mausoof, second grade
Oceanshore School
Mac Sortino, third grade
The Carey School
Hanya Lin, fourth grade
College Park Elementary School
McKenna Reynolds, fifth grade
Lincoln Elementary School
Telesia Foliaki, sixth grade
The Primary School
Mi Nguyen, seventh grade
Bowditch Middle School
Maeline Dagenais, eighth grade
Nesbit Elementary School
Allison Oh, nineth grade
Crystal Springs Uplands School
Maria Gevorgyan, 10th grade
Aragon High School
Valerie Li, 11th grade
Summit Shasta High School
Art Takes a Bus Ride is one of the many ways SamTrans engages with the communities that it serves. Youth riders have long been a major part of SamTrans service, and introducing people to transit at a young age greatly increases the likelihood that they will continue to use transit throughout their lives.
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About SamTrans: The San Mateo County Transit District operates 71 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the district also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
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