CSX Poster Contest Helps Kids Understand Safety

During the month of May, CSX in partnership with City Year sponsored a Safety Poster Contest for the students at James W. Hennigan Elementary School in Jamaica Plain. More than 300 children in grades 3-5 participated in the activity, visually communicating ways to behave safely at school, at home and in the neighborhood.

The grand-prize winner received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond for her colorful work and each of two runners-up received a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond.

View Full-Size Photo

On Thursday, May 27th, the contest culminated in a Health & Safety Fair, during which K-5 grade students spent the day learning about important issues including train safety, proper dental hygiene and healthy eating habits. The students got the opportunity to tour fire trucks, watch police robots in action and engage in fun physical activities to encourage regular exercise.

Tarah Harkins, CSX Community Affairs & Safety Officer, conducted Operation Lifesaver presentations for 500 students, informing them about the dangers of trespassing on railroad property and encouraging them to look and listen before they cross the tracks at grade crossings. Each student walked away with a better understanding of the importance of being safe around railroad tracks and they were treated to safety activity books, stickers and other giveaways as reminders to always be safe.

The event ended with the announcement of the first CSX-City Year Safety Poster Contest winners. The grand-prize winner received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond for her colorful work and each of two runners-up received a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond. Principal Sprott was presented with a framed copy of the winning poster to be hung in the front office and to roaring cheers from the children, the day closed with a CSX-sponsored pizza party for all participating students.

"This was an excellent opportunity for CSX to make a positive impact in the community and reach a key age group to discuss train safety," said Harkins. "The students were extremely engaged and eager to participate. The most important thing is that they pledged to share our safety message with their friends and family. It was a great success."