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Once again this year one of the highlights of National Transportation Week (NTW) was a poster contest held for 5th graders across the country. Students were asked to use their imaginations and talents to create a picture depicting the theme Transportation ... It Keeps America Moving. Over 150 entries were received from all over the country, which were judged by a group of the NTW sponsors. The winner for the 2001 contest was Sean Goldinger of New Cumberland, PA. Sean created his artwork as part of a special interests class at Hillside Elementary School. Although his art teacher, Ms. Jeannette Slayton, was unable to join Sean, his parents, grandmother, brother and sister were all able to take part in "a day of recognition" in Washington, DC, on May 16, 2001. Sean's day began at a NTW celebration at Potomac Airfield in Prince George's County, MD. Over 700 area school children attended this FAA-sponsored program of aircraft displays, fly-bys and vehicle and boating safety demonstrations. A highlight of the morning program was presenting Sean with a $200 savings bond and a plaque recognizing his achievement. The award was presented by Douglas A. Bernard, Director of Government Relations for Quixote Transportation Safety, sponsor of the poster contest, and David L. Winstead, Esq., Honorary Chairman of NTW. In addition to the personal recognition Sean received, his school received a check for $500. The Second Place winner of the Poster Contest was Jared Soeda from PS/IS 187 in New York City. Third Place was awarded to Brittany Oliver of Baranoff Elementary School in Austin, TX. Sean's day continued with a visit to Capitol Hill where he met Congressman Todd R. Platts, who represents Pennsylvania's 19th District. The Congressman asked Sean to sign a copy of his artwork for the Congressman to keep in his office and, in turn, presented Sean with an official letter of congratulations. Sean and the Congressman were interviewed by Channel 8, WGAL Lancaster. For the next recognition, Sean traveled four floors up in the Longworth House Office Building to meet Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. Secretary Mineta was very impressed by Sean's artwork and asked if he could share it with the President that afternoon during a Cabinet meeting. That afternoon President George W. Bush signed a copy of Sean's artwork. Altogether it was an exciting day filled with memorable experiences that will likely stay with this talented 11-year-old and his family for many years to come. |
Click here to see the winners and their entries from the 2003 contest. Click here to see the winners and their entries from the 2002 contest. The 2001 Poster Contest Winners!
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