Bergen County Students' Winning Art To Adorn NJ Bus Shelters

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Students in the Fort Lee public schools will see their artwork displayed on North Jersey bus shelters after winning a "George Washington Bridge poster contest," the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced.

Winners were selected from three categories: grades 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12.

A total of 63 entries were submitted by students in the contest, which carried the theme “Journeys in Motion.”

The winning posters will be displayed at bus shelters along Lemoine Avenue by this spring.

Winners will also receive a certificate, a tour of the George Washington Bridge, and a $50 gift card to Fort Lee IPIC Theaters.

Juha Kim, a high school senior, created an abstract piece for her winning entry. Kim stated, “It was a journey for me with this poster.” She added, “I wanted to give a bold start to the people who drive over the bridge when they see it.”

Kim completed her poster within two weeks.

Robin Bramwell-Stewart, deputy director of tunnels, bridges and terminals for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said, “This poster contest was born from being a good neighbor to the community around the bridge and inviting the next generation to be part of its story.” Bramwell-Stewart added, “As we restore the George to stand for the next hundred years, these children have given it new life through art that will be cherished forever.”

Diane Collazo, Fort Lee acting superintendent of public schools, stated, “We are really happy to be able to work with the Port Authority on this project, and this is a great lesson in social studies and civics for our kids.” Collazo also said, “They are taking their community and turning into something beautiful with their posters that will be on display.”

Fort Lee Mayor Mark J. Sokolich thanked the Port Authority for the opportunity. Sokolich said, “Thank you to the Port Authority for giving us the chance to show off our talents in Fort Lee.”

The contest theme highlighted various modes of travel supported by the bridge, including bus transit, personal vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on the shared-use pathway.

Winners include Irene Shin and Irene Kim from Fort Lee School No. 1, Yejin Jun and Leeora Bayazit from Lewis F. Cole Middle School, and Yura Son and Juha Kim from Fort Lee High School.