Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #15-068
June 16, 2015
Scott Gastel/Jose Bayona (DOT), 212-839-4850
NYC DOT Announces Fourth Annual “We’re Walking Here” NYC School Winners
Safety curricula for students in grades K-12 encourage walking and active lifestyle choices
The New York City Department of Transportation DOT today announced the results of this year’s “We’re Walking Here” competition with Corona Arts and Sciences Academy in Corona, Queens; Notre Dame Academy in Staten Island; PS 255 in Flushing, Queens; and PS 94 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, earning first, second, third, and fourth place, respectively. PS 3 in Staten Island and PS 154 in Mott Haven, Bronx, received honorable mentions.
These winning schools submitted public service announcements (PSA) that encourage walking and active lifestyle choices, and will be integrated into next year’s curricula. The competition also builds on the City’s Vision Zero efforts, which aim to educate New Yorkers about our shared responsibility in street safety. Click on the video images below to watch them.
“In this crucial second year of Vision Zero, we are thrilled that these students are putting their creative minds behind this important safety message,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “It is never too young to begin educating peers on street safety. We are very proud of the work produced by these students and those at the nearly 100 schools that participated in our We’re Walking Here program.”
The competition launched last October in conjunction with International Walk to School Day. It is open to all New York City schools. Those that participate download lesson plans and grade-specific curricula developed by DOT’s Safety Education and Outreach division. The first place winner for this year’s competition receives a $1,000 grant. The second place school receives $750, the third place $500, and the fourth place school receives a $250 prize.
The winning videos are the culmination of two-week walking tallies by the classes and the completion of other academic exercises that help students recognize the benefits of active transportation and give them the tools to share what they learn with others. All prize money is provided by the Safe Streets Fund, a private-public partnership dedicated to promoting even safer streets, especially among students.
Interested schools can now pre-register for next year’s “We’re Walking Here” competition by visiting nyc.gov/walkingschools. DOT’s safety education and outreach programs, including this contest, are important components to Vision Zero. They complement the City’s engineering and enforcement initiatives as part of this multi-agency effort.
For more information, visit nyc.gov/dot or nyc.gov/visionzero.
First Place Winner: Corona Arts and Sciences, Queens – $1,000
Second Place Winner: Notre Dame Academy, Staten Island -$750
Third Place Winner: PS 255, Flushing, Queens – $500
Fourth Place Winner: PS 94, Sunset Park, Brooklyn -$250
Honorable Mention: PS 3, Pleasant Plains, Staten Island
Honorable mention: PS 154, Mott Haven, Bronx [School did not choose to participate in PSA production]
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