First-year competitors from Lowry High School received an award during the event. Anna Gutierrez, Kristie Kloeppel, Staphany Delamora and Patricia Bates ("Team TASK") took seventh place for their entry in a Media Campaign. Their campaign included a video production, a radio PSA in English and Spanish, a T-shirt design and a poster.
Supporting Teens and Roadway Safety (STARS) began recruitment on Oct. 1, 2011. Teams participating had to be between the ages of 15 and 20. An adult advisor was required, and up to four participants per team had to possess a valid driver permit or license by the drive date in March. Teams then had to develop a traffic safety message in a required format aimed at their peers. Once their project was submitted, they were judged by a variety of individuals, including media personnel, UNLV officials, law enforcement and the organizers of STARS.
On Saturday, March 24, the driving competition commenced at 8 a.m. at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Teams were introduced to Driver's Edge, a hands-on driving experience specifically aimed toward teens. They were scored on segments that included seat belt usage, speed control, braking, lane changes, distractions and backing. And of course they all participated in the fun but effective Fatal Vision Olympic Relay.
A total of 25 teams were entered this year in the statewide competition that saw a $10,000 scholarship go to the winning team entry. This year's winning video production came from Pahrump High School. The top seven entries will see their projects reproduced and disseminated statewide through television, radio ads, billboards or bus stop shelter signs and posters.
Northern Nevada Coordinator Rocky Gonzalez says, "A lot of hard work went into the project these girls submitted. I'm very proud of these students and their creativity! The participants all gained a driving experience they will never forget, plus the team was able to network with other school students and enjoy an all-expenses-paid weekend in Las Vegas. Hopefully we will have more participation during the next recruitment and if possible, I would like to see this team return next year."
Supporting Teens and Roadway Safety was made possible by federal funds from the Departments of Public Safety/Transportation and Office of Traffic Safety.
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