BEREA, Ohio – Students enrolled in Polaris Career Center’s Satellite Marketing and Entrepreneurship program and the Broadcasting and Video Production program based inside Berea-Midpark High School have won the Impact Teen Drivers “Just Drive” Social Media Campaign national competition aimed at reducing distracted driving.
The first-place $10,000 educational grant award will be used to further enhance both Polaris programs. Impact Teen Drivers and NJM Insurance Group sponsored the contest.
Using an Addams Family theme and an abundance of creativity, the students submitted their entry, “Distracted Driving … Don’t Make It Your Thing,” to encourage smart decisions when behind the wheel. The multi-dimensional project included an initial concept and plan, infographics, social media posts, Public Service Announcement videos and posters. A 3-D printer generated Thing, the creepy, disembodied hand seen in the movies.
In addition, a lunchtime informational fair at the high school took place with the assistance of Impact Teen Drivers Director of Strategic Partnerships Heidi Dean, school resource officers and University Hospitals’ Safe Kids/Safe Communities initiative.
Polaris instructors Melissa Burchett and Katie Street supervised the project team, which consisted of Marketing and Entrepreneurship seniors John Ellam, Chloe Leggins, Karielys Massa, Madison Mattila, Kevin McDonough, Brandon Prescott, Vincenzo Simanella and Cameron Werner, as well as Broadcasting and Video Production seniors Zane Dalton, Hailey Fuller, Joel Petrie and Austin Shaw; sophomores Malakai Crespo, Desiree Scheall and Adam Svoboda; and freshman Anthony Caraballo.
Team members were honored at the May 25 BMHS Senior Awards Recognition ceremony.
The project team received special recognition during the May 25 Senior Awards Ceremony at Berea-Midpark High School. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)
“The ‘Just Drive’ contest is an exciting opportunity for young students to promote safe driving among their peers, parents and in their community,” Street told the Performing Arts Center audience. “The entry was recognized for its concept, creativity, execution and effectiveness of message.”
Sophomores Desiree Scheall and Malakai Crespo hope to lead the Polaris team to a back-to-back win in next year’s contest. (Beth Mlady/special to cleveland.com)
Sophomores Malakai Crespo and Desiree Scheall hope to make Polaris a back-to-back winner in 2024.
“We worked really hard for this, and we are super proud,” Crespo said. “We are excited for what’s going to come next. It’s so motivating for the upcoming year.”
“I loved the people I worked with,” added Scheall. “There was definitely a lot of effort, and everything just came together. It means a lot.”
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