Eustace, Martin’s Mill Win TxDOT Contest

Eustace High School displays the $1,000 check it won for its First Place video in the 2015 Public Service Announcement competition sponsored by TxDOT. Eustace students highlighted the importance of wearing a seat belt in its video. The funds will benefit Eustace Project Graduation. Pictured with the judges and TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Wanda Ealey, at far right, who organized the contest, are: front row from left, theater teacher and film sponsor Tammy Beaty; holding the check, Eustace seniors Emma Brashear and Delaney Worth; and principal Stan Sowers. Back row second from left is Eustace junior Kelsey Max.
Eustace High School displays the $1,000 check it won for its First Place video in the 2015 Public Service Announcement competition sponsored by TxDOT. Eustace students highlighted the importance of wearing a seat belt in its video. The funds will benefit Eustace Project Graduation. Pictured with the judges and TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Wanda Ealey, at far right, who organized the contest, are: front row from left, theater teacher and film sponsor Tammy Beaty; holding the check, Eustace seniors Emma Brashear and Delaney Worth; and principal Stan Sowers. Back row second from left is Eustace junior Kelsey Max.

Press release

Some area high schools have earned extra funds to help with their Project Celebration/Graduation events. The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Tyler District announces the winners of its recent public service announcement contest that awarded grant funds to the top three submissions.

The winners of the PSA contest, held in Tyler, were selected from five submissions. The contest was open to schools in Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Wood and Van Zandt counties. The videos were created by students to educate their peers on a variety of traffic safety issues including: buckling up, distracted driving, speeding, etc. They were judged on their message, quality, creativity and uniqueness.

Eustace High School in Henderson County was awarded $1,000 for its First Place entry; Martin’s Mill High School in Van Zandt County took Second Place earning $800; and Slocum High School in Anderson County received $600 for its Third Place video. Sabine and Winona high schools received Honorable Mention for their videos.

The schools can apply the money toward their alcohol-free and drug-free celebration activities for graduates.

“Project Celebration combines education with lock-in events conducted by educators, parents and community partners to help keep students safe and alcohol-free especially during school-related celebrations,” said Kathi White, TxDOT spokesperson. “The events allow students to celebrate their special occasions with classmates and friends without worrying about the dangers of drinking and driving and other safety concerns.”

Martin’s Mill High School students and school officials are shown with the $800 check they were awarded for Second Place video in the 2015 Public Service Announcement competition sponsored by TxDOT. Martin’s Mill targeted the importance of wearing your seat belt in its video. The funds will benefit Martin’s Mill Project Graduation. In this picture, students and school officials accept the check from TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Wanda Ealey, at left on front row, who organized the contest.
Martin’s Mill High School students and school officials are shown with the $800 check they were awarded for Second Place video in the 2015 Public Service Announcement competition sponsored by TxDOT. Martin’s Mill targeted the importance of wearing your seat belt in its video. The funds will benefit Martin’s Mill Project Graduation. In this picture, students and school officials accept the check from TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Wanda Ealey, at left on front row, who organized the contest.