Three talented students from Southern Middle School in Reading have been recognized for their outstanding artwork in the 2024 Pennsylvania School Bus Safety Poster Contest. The annual competition, organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and supported by the Pennsylvania State Police and school bus safety advocates, highlights the importance of school bus safety through creative student contributions.
During a ceremony at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, officials honored students from across the state, and Berks County had a significant presence among the winners. Southern Middle School students Noemi Barretta, Cathyanis Casiano Bonilla, and Daniel Vega were celebrated for their achievements, with their artwork emphasizing this year’s theme, “Driving Safety into the Future.”
Berks County Winners: First Place (Grades 6-8): Noemi Barretta, Southern Middle School. Second Place (Grades 6-8): Cathyanis Casiano Bonilla, Southern Middle School. First Place (Special Education): Daniel Vega, Southern Middle School.
The winning posters from each category will advance to the national competition, scheduled to be judged at the end of October. The students’ creative efforts were recognized with certificates and small gifts provided by the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, with PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Deputy Secretary Kara Templeton commending their role in spreading vital safety messages.
“By using their talent and creativity, these young artists help us share important safety messages through their creations,” said Templeton. “Their entries reinforce the importance of school bus drivers in ensuring the safety of students today, tomorrow, and beyond.”
The ceremony also marked the beginning of School Bus Safety Week in Pennsylvania, running from October 21-25, following a proclamation by Governor Josh Shapiro. The statewide observance aligns with a national initiative to raise awareness about the critical safety measures necessary to protect students who rely on school buses for transportation.
State Police and local law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts through “Operation Safe Stop,” a campaign aimed at reducing the number of illegal passes of school buses. Officers monitor roads for violators who fail to adhere to Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping laws, which require motorists to stop at least 10 feet from a bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
“Bus drivers are on the front lines every day, ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school,” said Cpl. Zeina Black of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Their dedication reinforces the trust parents have in them, and we all need to do our part by following the law and driving safely around school buses.”
Last year, over 500 motorists were convicted of violating the state’s school bus stopping law. These violations are a significant concern, as PennDOT reports that school bus drivers transport more than 1.4 million students daily, covering over 434 million miles throughout the school year.
As School Bus Safety Week continues, local leaders are encouraging drivers to be vigilant and respect school bus stopping laws. The hope is that through education and enforcement, the number of violations will decrease, making roads safer for everyone, especially the children who rely on school buses to get to and from school safely.
