Students win big in clean air calendar contest

A lucky thirteen local kids learned some fun and creative ways to get around town without creating air pollution, thanks to a recent calendar art contest, sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and SBCAG Traffic Solutions.

JoJo Relyea, age 10, a student at May Grisham Elementary School in Orcutt, was the grand prize winner of a free bicycle donated by Bicycle Bob’s in Santa Barbara, and a $100 savings bond contributed by Santa Barbara Bank and Trust.

Her winning picture, which graces the calendar cover, features colorful butterflies with the message: “Creative ideas for transportation will make our world beautiful.” JoJo said that she was playing outside on a warm day and spotted a butterfly that became the inspiration for her winning artwork. “If you want to go to your friend’s house, ride your bike instead of having your parents drive you – and that will keep our air clean.”

The other winners were:

Josef Gottwald, Age 11, The Howard School, Carpinteria: “My picture is about electric buses.”

Veronica Duran, Age 12, Jonata Elementary School, Buellton: “Bike riding is the way to prevent air pollution.”

Dana Illes, Age 7, Oak Valley School, Buellton: “A train can carry lots of people.”

Sabrina Sorich, Age 12, Goleta Valley Junior High: “Fly Free in the Clean Air!”

Kyle Saunders, Age 10, Santa Barbara Christian School: “People using alternate forms of transportation to keep the air clean.”

Corina Brown, Age 12, Vista de las Cruces School, Gaviota: “My picture is about pollution and why it should be stopped.”

Helena Davila, Age 8, Montecito Union School: “Walking is a lot more fun than riding in a car!”

Rylan Ross, Age 12, Vandenberg Middle School, Lompoc: “Outdoor play the clean air way!”

Stephanie Zirretta, Age 10, Adams Elementary School, Santa Barbara: “The way to go!”

Matthew Ray Willis, Age 8, Fillmore Elementary School, Lompoc: “My picture is about the walking school bus.”

Jose Lopez, Age 7, Harding Elementary School, Santa Barbara: “My picture is about being kind to the air.”

Ben Brewer, Age 6, Monroe Elementary School, Santa Barbara: “Bike riding is fun!”

They each received $50 savings bonds from Santa Barbara Bank and Trust.

Local artist Daniel Girard designed the clever calendar, using a medieval castle theme to integrate the artwork and photographs of the children.

Calendars are available to county residents upon request while supplies last. To request one, call the APCD at 961.8800.

Originally published in South Coast Beacon on December 30, 2004.

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