Editor’s note: Art Takes a Bus Ride photos
Media Contact: Mahmoud Abunie, 650.730.6201
Colorful student artwork is now rolling through the streets of San Mateo County, as SamTrans unveiled the winners of its annual Art Takes a Bus Ride contest at its May Board of Directors meeting.
Students from first through 11th grades were invited to illustrate this year’s theme, “Connecting Our Community with SamTrans.” Now in its 17th year, the contest is a collaboration between SamTrans and the San Mateo County Office of Education. It’s designed to engage students in the classroom and emphasize the importance of the arts in local communities.
More than 100 submissions were received from schools throughout San Mateo County. A panel from the San Mateo County Arts Commission selected the winning entries.
Winners attended the Board meeting with their families and teachers, where they were honored. The event also featured the unveiling of two SamTrans buses wrapped with the students’ artwork.
“This is one of my favorite events as a member of the SamTrans Board,” said Chair Jeff Gee. “Showcasing the artistic talents of young people throughout the county is exciting for the Board, our artists and their families.”
Each winning student received a framed copy of the bus ad card featuring their artwork, along with SamTrans-branded gifts. Their teachers were awarded gift certificates for art supplies. The two art-wrapped buses will operate on regular SamTrans routes throughout the year.
“This year’s Art Takes a Bus Ride contest asked students to imagine how SamTrans connects our communities — and they delivered with powerful, imaginative artwork,” said Allison Gamlen, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for the San Mateo County Office of Education. “These young artists captured moments of connection, movement and belonging in ways that speak to the heart of public transit. At SMCOE, we’re proud to champion student creativity and celebrate the role art plays in building a more connected, vibrant community.”
Winning Entries:
Christopher Sun, 1st grade – Arundel Elementary School
Bowen Hou, 2nd grade – College Park Elementary School
Mabel Nelken, 3rd grade – Vallemar Elementary School
Minh Nguyen, 4th grade – College Park Elementary School
Melody Lloyd, 5th grade – Vallemar Elementary School
Audrey Chen, 6th grade – Tierra Linda Middle School
Bowen Wang, 6th grade – Central Middle School
Sarah Wing, 7th grade – Nesbit School
Mi Nguyen, 8th grade – Bowditch Middle School
Maeline Dagenais, 9th grade – Design Tech High School
Courtney Yau, 10th grade – Summit Shasta High School
Charmaine Manansala, 11th grade – Jefferson High School
Art Takes a Bus Ride is one of many ways SamTrans connects with the communities it serves. Youth have long been a core part of SamTrans’ ridership, and studies show that early exposure to public transit increases the likelihood of lifelong use.
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About SamTrans: The San Mateo County Transit District operates 74 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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