Fire Safety Poster Winners Announced

Noah Marshall knows the importance of having operating smoke detectors in the event of a fire. One year ago, the Central High School sophomore and his family had to escape from his burning Newark apartment when an electrical fire began in the store below and climbed up through the walls.

"We had to use a window fire escape. Everyone got out safely," said Marshall in a City of Newark press release. "I learned that it's necessary to practice fire prevention by having a smoke alarm and check its batteries often. Everyone has to learn how to call 911, no matter how old or young they are, and know a route of escape. Everyone has to take precautions."

Marshall was one of 13 Newark Public Schools students to win the annual fire safety poster contest, sponsored by the Newark Fire Department during The winners, who were chosen in December, and their respective artwork were announced last Friday at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center in the city's North Ward.

Under the theme "Protect Your Family from Fire," Marshall drew a poster using colored pencils of children shielding themselves from fire.

"I chose an image that incorporated things I saw or heard at the time, which inspired my creativity," he said. "They have no faces because they could be anybody."

One winner from each grade (kindergarten through 12) received award certificates and a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card last week. The posters were selected based on how well the students conveyed the message using a limited number of colors, according to Jaqueline Rocker-Brown, NPS' visual and performing arts supervisor.

"We want kids to understand that fire education and prevention starts in their homes and that the Newark Fire Department is immensely involved in the prevention of fires, and giving kids the opportunity to artistically express their fire protection education," said Fire Director Fateen Ziyad in a statement. "I think this year's posters are incredible. They show the talent of Newark’s students."

The following students also won prizes for their fire safey posters:

• Kindergarten: Isaiah Duncan, Quitman
• 1st grade: Alyssa Sewell, Alexander
• 2nd grade: Shaina Rivera, Branch Brook
• 3rd grade: Alexander Aguilar, Branch Brook
• 4th grade: Destiny Velasquez, Branch Brook
• 5th grade: Nyasta Bryant, Madison
• 6th grade: Tiena Lopez, W.H. Horton
• 7th grade: Sakou Kromah, Arts High School
• 8th grade: Akodele Ekeinhor, Quitman
• 9th grade: Kadeem Gamble, Arts High School
• 10th grade: Noah Marshall, Central High School
• 11th grade: Jonathan Mazariegos, Arts High School
• 12th grade: Mike Salas, Arts High School

– Staff reports