OLATHE, Kan. — An elementary school student here is the latest winner of First Student’s artwork contest.

The contest celebrates the experience of riding the school bus through artwork created by students in school districts across North America.

First Student selected the latest winning entry from Olathe Public Schools. Ruth Brooks, a fourth grader at Black Bob Elementary, captured how “Happiness starts with yellow.”
 
Brooks’ colorful artwork also includes a reminder for students and motorists to be safe around buses.  

“We enjoyed partnering with Olathe Public Schools to celebrate the lasting memories that are made on the way to and from school,” said First Student Area General Manager John Billigmeier. “The yellow school bus plays an important role in the school day, and we can see just how meaningful the experience is through each student’s artwork.”

First Student has provided student transportation for Olathe Public Schools for more than 30 years. The company transports nearly 8,000 students in the district every school day.

First Student awarded Black Bob Elementary $1,000 to put toward classroom supplies. The winning artwork entry will also be featured in an upcoming issue of District Administration magazine as part of an ongoing First Student campaign.

“Participating in the artwork contest provided our students with a great opportunity to show their appreciation for the school bus and the role it plays in their lives,” said Black Bob Elementary Principal Trisha Putthoff. “We are proud of Ruth for the creativity she showed in creating the winning entry.”

First Student has awarded more than $15,000 to schools with winning entries. Previous selections have been in the Lewisville Independent School District in Texas, the Jericho School District in New York, St. Louis Public Schools, and Cincinnati Public Schools.

Contest submissions are also being shared on First Student's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts using the hashtag #MasterpieceMonday.