And the winners are…

The 2009 Driving the Message Contest has finally come to an end.

The judges had their hands full this year with a record-breaking number of entries. This year there were 163 entries, compared to last year’s 72.

In the poster category first place went to Lauren Souers of Coronado High School with “Driven to Distraction.” Chris Trevino and Trevor Walker of Jarrell High School took second place with their entry, “One Way Road.” Third place went to Brianna Short of Winnsboro High School for “Just Don’t Do It.”

In the video category first place went to Rolando Rodriguez Ruiz-Healy of Communications Arts High School for “Just Another Saturday Night.” Second place went to JM Berlet, Kelsey Pena, Matt Hallstein and Krystal Clark of Communications Arts High School for “Reasons Not to Wear a Seat Belt.” The group effort from Bronte High School took third place for their entry “Stay Focused.”

In the overall program scrapbook category first place went to Creekview High School’s leadership class. Winnsboro High School took second place, and third place went to Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts.

Judges were from State Farm Insurance, Sherry Matthews Marketing, ThinkStreet, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Transportation Institute.

Tiffany Wilkerson, a judge from State Farm said, “The videos were really heart felt and there was a lot of thought and creativity put into them, and I think everyone did a great job.”

Dannah Peck, a judge from Sherry Matthews said, “I think it’s important that these messages come from teens because there’s a lot more credibility when it comes from someone you know and trust.”

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all of those who participated.