NJ TRANSIT RECOGNIZES WINNERS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONTEST
Over 3,000 Students Participated in Art Contest
NEWARK, NJ, March 1, 2002 -- NJ TRANSIT is continuing its efforts to educate students throughout the state about rail safety during March.
NJ TRANSIT's "Rail Safety Education Program" teaches students about rail safety through group discussions and lectures, question-and-answer sessions and dramatic safety films designed to grab students' attention. Safety videos used in the program are geared toward school children in all age groups.
EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS: NJ TRANSIT encourages and welcomes media coverage of this important effort. Please call NJ TRANSIT's Office of Public Information at 973-491-7078, 24 hours before any session you wish to cover to confirm your attendance. This schedule is subject to change.
| Date | School | Grade(s) | Start time |
| March 4 | Lincoln School, Edison | K-2 | 9:30 a.m. |
| March 5 | Avenel Middle School, Avenel |
NEWARK, NJ, March 1, 2002 -- Sixteen students from schools throughout New Jersey were recognized Tuesday, February 26 at an awards luncheon at the Newark Museum for winning NJ TRANSIT's Black History Month art contest. More than 3,000 students in grades 5-8 participated in the statewide contest, which was hosted by NJ TRANSIT to celebrate Black History Month. The contest was sponsored by Fleet Bank, who furnished the prizes. This is the sixth consecutive year that NJ TRANSIT has invited students from New Jersey schools to participate in a Black History Month contest, increasing awareness of the contributions made by African-Americans. The winning artwork has been displayed on NJ TRANSIT trains and buses throughout February. "I want to applaud all the students who entered NJ TRANSIT's Black History Month contest this year, recognizing African-Americans who have played a vital role throughout our nation's history," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. "While we celebrate the achievements and contributions African-Americans have made to our society throughout February, it is important to recognize their influence on new generations." Each student was asked to submit an original art illustration of an African-American person or persons who has made a significant contribution in the past or present, or someone they foresee as a visionary of the future. The artwork was reviewed and evaluated by an independent judging committee. The contest winners are: First Place
| 8:45 a.m |
| March 14 | Woodbine Avenue School, Avenel | K-5 | 10 a.m. |
| March 15 | Lenna Conrow School, Long Branch | 3-5 | 9 a.m. |
| March 18 | Spragg School, Egg Harbor City | K-4 | 9 a.m. |
| March 19 | Alternate School, New Brunswick | 9-12 | 1:15 p.m. |
| March 25 | Livingston Park School, North Brunswick | K-5 | 1 p.m. |
| Princeton, grade 6). Ernest Rementilla, Jr. (Roosevelt Middle School in West Orange, grade 7). Patrick Jeong (Tenakill Middle School in Closter, grade 8). Second Place
Third Place
Honorable Mention
| Judd School, North Brunswick | K-5 | 9 a.m. |
| March 26 | Beers Street School, Hazlet | K-5 | 1:45 p.m |
| March 27 | Faber School, Dunellen | K-6 | 8:30 a.m. |
| March 28 | Wilson School, Neptune City | K-5 | 9:15 a.m. |
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The first place winners received a computer and color printer. Second place winners received a camcorder. Third place winners received a color television. Honorable mention winners received a $50 Barnes & Noble gift certificate.
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system, providing bus, rail and light rail services for 380,600 daily commuters on 238 bus routes, two light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines.
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