First Student names 1st student art contest winner

School transportation provider First Student has selected the first winning entry in its new student artwork contest.

First Student officials said that the annual contest celebrates the experience of riding the school bus, giving students a chance to show how “Happiness starts with yellow.”

The company will award a total of $12,000 this year to schools with winning entries in districts that First Student serves.

The first winning entry is from St. Louis Public Schools. Lejla Husetovic of Buder Elementary created artwork that shows a First Student bus outside of her school with her classmates.

“Nothing symbolizes the start and end of every school day more than the yellow school bus,” First Student President Dennis Maple said. “We recognize the important role we play in each child’s school day, and through this artwork contest, we get a chance to see what riding a First Student bus means to the students we serve.”

First Student awarded Buder Elementary $1,000 to put toward classroom supplies.

“We are excited for Lejla and our school,” Buder Principal Michelle Flores Holz said. “Participating in the artwork contest provided our students with a great opportunity to express their creativity and show their appreciation for the role the school bus plays in their lives.”

First Student will select 12 winning artwork entries this year from students in participating school districts across North America. Submissions will also be shared on First Student's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts using the hashtag #MasterpieceMonday.