The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2012 School Safety Art Contest is Michael Bittner. Bittner, a Cranston resident, is a seventh grader at St. Rocco's School. His entry, chosen from more than 100, depicts the importance of evacuation drills in schools and is featured on the cover of the 2013 School Safety Calendar.
"We are announcing the art contest winner in recognition of School Safety Week," said RIEMA Executive Director Theresa C. Murray. "School safety remains a priority for all of us. This contest was designed to allow Rhode Island students to utilize their creative talents to promote the importance of anti-bullying, cyber security, and evacuation drills."
The contest is organized by the state's School Safety Committee. Prizes for students were generously donated by the Rhode Island Foundation and by NetCynergy. The winner in each age category received a $100 savings bond, and the grand prize winner received an iPad. Each of the 12 finalists' entries will be showcased in the 2013 School Safety calendar. Design and printing of the calendars was donated by Keystone Printers.
The contest finalists and winners are:
• Albe au Pabon; Pawtucket resident; 7th grader at Rhode Island School for the Deaf • Lily Bedard; Foster resident; 4th grader at Clayville Elementary School • Michael Bittner; Cranston resident; 7th grader at St. Rocco's School; grand prize winner • Anthony Detri; Scituate resident; 1st grader at Scituate Elementary School; elementary (K-5) age group winner • Daniella Ferranti; Johnston resident; 7th grader at St. Rocco's School; middle school (6-8) age group winner • Hannah Flynn; Cranston resident; 5th grader at St. Mary's School • Amabelle Francois; West Warwick resident; 4th grader at St. Rocco's School • Jairee Hill; Manville resident; 9th grader at Rhode Island School for the Deaf; high school (9-12) age group winner • Sarah Michael; Smithfield resident; 4th grader at St. Rocco's School • Emily Nicholson; North Scituate resident; 2nd grader at Clayville Elementary School • Naja Sasa; Johnston resident; 7th grader at St. Rocco's School • Tyler Travers; 9th grader at Rhode Island School for the Deaf