The school bus and its driver are steadfast symbols of the education community. The image created by Kansas student Jihyeon (Elly) Han captures that sense of the profession's continued importance as it has evolved over the years.

The American School Bus Council this week declared Han's work as the overall winner in the 2021-2022 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest. This year's theme: "1 Bus +1 Driver = A BIG Impact on Education."

"Han's artwork best depicts the theme, showing that while change is inevitable, it is the school bus and the driver that remain a steady and knowing presence in the lives of so many children," according to a news release. "Han showcases that all you need is one driver and one bus to make a big impact in the lives of so many children."

Judges based their choices on safety impact, originality, artistic quality, and visual impact. They received submissions from five divisions representing 15 different states. Han's poster will be showcased during National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 17-21.

Regional division winners included:

• Division No. 1 (Grades K-2)

  • 1st Place: Emma Adcock, David Perdue Primary (Georgia)

  • 2nd Place: Riley Cramer, Southwest Elementary School (Kansas)

• Division No. 2 (Grades 3-5)

  • 1st Place: Jeremiah Sanders, Dodgertown Elementary (Florida)

  • 2nd Place: Jada Fitzgerald, Worth County Elementary (Georgia)

  • 3rd Place: Mason Vanda, Clarkson Central (New York)

• Division No. 3 (Grades 6-8)

  • 1st Place (and overall winner): Jihyeon (Elly) Han, Altamont Grade School (Kansas)

  • 2nd Place: Claire Hwang, Northbrook Middle School (Georgia)

  • 3rd Place: Alexander Tafone, Kings Park Central School District (New York)

• Division No. 4 - Special Education (Grades K- 12)

  • 1st Place: Kamil Samnani, Hull Middle School (Georgia)

  • 2nd Place: Chloe Young, South Colonie Central School District (New York)

• Division No. 5 - CAD (Computer Aided Drawing)

  • 1st Place: Rebekah Cullen, Sussex Technical High School (Delaware)

The theme for 2022-23 will be "Safely Rolling to My Destination." Details for that poster contest are expected in July, with submissions accepted between Aug. 15, 2022, and March 31, 2023.