Three Queens schools took home the top prizes for their videos in the Department of Transportation’s fifth annual “We’re Walking Here” competition.
The competition is part of the City’s Vision Zero efforts, which aims to educate New Yorkers about how street safety is a shared responsibility. Students track the number of blocks that they walked over a two-week period and engage in classroom activities to learn more.
The final part of the competition is to create a public service announcement to show what they learned.
“We are so proud of all the students who put their creative minds behind the crucial message of the ‘We’re Walking Here’ campaign,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “With more than 100 schools participating, this year’s winning entries have really connected to the critical message of Vision Zero. I heartily invite more schools to get involved and participate in this creative competition. We also urge young people around New York City to get involved in the other great outdoor events DOT hosts over the next few months — from Weekend Walks to Summer Streets.”
The first place winner in the video category went to Astoria’s Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School. In their video, entitled “Toy Car,” it highlights how easily a situation can turn badly when you’re driving and aren’t paying attention to the road.
“I want to congratulate the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts for winning first place in the Vision Zero PSA contest,” said Assembly Member Brian Barnwell. “It is truly important to highlight street safety, and it is truly inspiring that our students are leading the way when it comes to being advocates for safety. They are helping to save lives.”
Watch their winning video here:
P.S. 94Q in Little Neck took home second place in this year’s competition. In the video, titled “Walking Together,” the students talk about how staying active and walking to school can keep them healthy. The twist? It’s sung to the tune of the classic 60s song “Happy Together” by the Turtles.
“I’m so proud of the incredible students at P.S. 94Q for coming in second place in this year’s We’re Walking Here competition,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “It’s important to learn the benefits of walking and living an active lifestyle at a young age and I commend these students for being an example for all of NYC.”
Third place went to Ozone Park’s Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210Q for their video, “Whose Fault is it Anyway?”. Their video depicts children participating in a game show about safety trivia when it is interrupted by a breaking news bulletin. WPIX 11’s Greg Mocker makes a cameo and interviews the students on the street who are calling on the community to be safe when driving.
“Queens is so proud of our students who produced such compelling PSAs that prioritize safety and healthy active lifestyle choices for all New Yorkers,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “Congratulations to the winning entrants – all of whom happen to be from Queens! – and all the participants in this year’s citywide competition. Thank you to the folks at DOT for hosting such creative educational initiatives to promote safety and Vision Zero.”
The first-place winner for this year’s competition receives a $1,000 grant, the second-place school receives a $500 prize, and third-place school receives a $250 prize. All three winners in the video category this year went to three Queens schools.
Schools that are interested in next year’s “We’re Walking Here” competition can now pre-register by visiting nyc.gov/walkingschools.
