Hawaii Student’s Artwork Featured in National School Bus Safety Week Poster

Branden Pagurayan’s winning poster contest entry illustrates this year’s National School Bus Safety Week theme: "#Stop on Red."

HONOLULU — As schools across the country observe National School Bus Safety Week, this year's event is extra special for Hawaii student Branden Pagurayan: His drawing is featured on the 2017 National School Bus Safety Week poster.

"We're so proud of Branden on being selected as the national winner," said Daryle Mishina, Branden’s former art teacher at Kapolei Middle School. "It's a wonderful honor for him to be chosen from among the entries received nationwide and to have his drawing displayed during this important annual event."

This year's National School Bus Safety Week theme is "#Stop on Red." In Branden's artwork, the hashtag is used to depict the need for drivers to stop for school buses when they are loading or unloading students.

"Branden's poster is a perfect reminder for all drivers to stop when school buses have their red lights flashing and to be aware that students may be crossing the street," said Richard Fajardo, principal of Kapolei Middle School. "We need our motorists to help keep our children safe and to always obey the law and drive with extra caution around schools and school buses."

Branden, who now attends Kapolei High School, was an eighth-grader at the time he entered the National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest last year.

This is the second consecutive year that Kapolei Middle School has a national winner. Melia LaFleur's drawing was featured on the 2016 National School Bus Safety Week poster.

As part of National School Bus Safety Week, the Hawaii State Department of Education is reminding motorists of the requirements on stopping for school buses. The department also issued a video that highlights school bus safety practices for students: