2009-11
NEWS RELEASE: February 19 , 2009
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Deputy Commissioner of Education Dale M. Dennis (785) 296-3871
TechTRP Edna Buttler (785)296-6800
Scholarship Contest Winners Announced
Contest promotes the Kansas School Safety Hotline
The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas State Department of Education are pleased to announce the winners of the Kansas School Safety Hotline scholarship contest held during the fall semester. The contest encouraged teens to creatively promote the Kansas School Safety Hotline. Participants were asked to enter a poster, radio public service announcement, or television public service announcement.
Three scholarships were awarded for each category; first place: $1,250, second place: $750, and third place: $500. The scholarships may be applied to any accredited institution of higher learning in the state of Kansas.
And the winners are:
30 Second television public service announcement
- 1st place: Tiffany Nguyen, Garden City High School
- 2nd place: Brian Noller, Russell High School
- 3rd place: Sarah Woodward, Tescott High School
30 Second radio public service announcement
- 1st place: Jonathan Yarrow, Wakefield High School
- 2nd place: Jacob Wisdom, Hiawatha High School
- 3rd place: Alice Richmeier, Garden City High School
11x17 poster
- 1st place: Jonathan Yarrow, Wakefield High School
- 2nd place: Brett Fast, Hutchinson High School
- 3rd place: Logan Grieder, Hartford High School
"We were impressed by the creativity shown by Kansas students in promoting the hotline. It was evident by the sheer number of contest entries, that students value the ability to report dangerous situations without the fear of others finding out," said Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Terry L. Maple.
Students are often aware of the potential of violence in their schools before the act occurs. To answer the need for an anonymous and secure way for students to report the possibility of violence, the Kansas State Department of Education, in partnership with the Kansas Highway Patrol, operates the Kansas School Safety Hotline (1-877-626-8203). This hotline is a toll free number, available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to give students, parents, and community members the opportunity to report any impending school violence. Upon receipt of a call, dispatchers will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or the office of the superintendent of schools, depending on the severity of the situation.
"As educators, our greatest priority is to provide a quality education in a safe and secure environment," said Deputy Commissioner of Education Dale M. Dennis. "We are pleased to provide the scholarships to these very talented Kansas students."
To view the winners' entries, click on the poster icon at the right.