More than 130 students regionwide submitted their art to our annual safety poster contest hosted by Sound Transit and Arts Corps. This year’s theme was: “Safety is a team effort – LOOK out for each other!” With the 1 and 2 lines connecting across Lake Washington and the world coming to Seattle for the big soccer tournament, it is a great moment for students to weigh in on how they stay safe near tracks and trains.
We are proud to present the winners of the contest! Winners received cash prizes for their fantastic posters, and 1st place winner posters are featured on 1 Line and 2 Line trains!
Read on to see our incredible participants’ vision for keeping our communities safe and read their artist statements.
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Lila B. 5th grade 3rd place
There are lots of ways to stay safe around trains. One of the easiest things you can do is to stay behind the yellow line at the platform. Doing something as simple as this can save your life!
Miya M. 4th Grade 2nd place
This drawing was inspired by the idea that safety on public transit is everyone’s responsibility. I used bright colors and friendly characters to remind people—especially young riders—to stay alert and follow simple rules like using crosswalks, staying behind the yellow line, and keeping distractions away so everyone can travel safely together. The cute train in the middle shows that light rail is green and good for the environment, and it encourages more people to ride it.
“The smiling green train in the center shows light rail, which is eco-friendly and helps protect our environment. It encourages more people to choose public transportation. The red details highlight important safety messages, reminding everyone that safety always comes first for every rider. The cute characters show people of all ages, reminding us that safety is just as important for kids as it is for adults."
Mika C. 4th grade 1st place
In my poster creation, four pictures show important rules of the tram, using cute animals. These are inspired so people can follow rules. They clearly show how you can help follow these rules, with safety first!
6th Grade through 8th Grade
Ida W. 7th grade 3rd place
It's important for people who are driving to keep an eye out for people who may not be in cars. Taking the light rail, walking, or riding a bike are good choices for getting around.
Sophia C. 7th grade 2nd place
My poster is about staying safe on and around the light rail. I used the theme, “Safety is a team effort – LOOK out for each other!”, to show that everyone has a role in keeping each other safe.
In my design, I included Sound Transit’s five safety messages. I showed people paying attention to their surroundings and not getting distracted by phones or headphones. I also showed people using crosswalks, waiting for the walk signal, and looking both ways before crossing. On the platform, I included people standing behind the yellow line while waiting for the train.
I wanted my poster to be clear and easy to understand so people can remember to make safe choices. My goal is to remind riders, bikers and pedestrians to stay alert and look out for one another.
Serena Q. 7th grade 1st place
I believe that true safety comes from not just people looking out for their own safety, but also from citizens helping each other (friends, family, and even total strangers) stay safe! So that’s why in my artwork, there are people helping each other (a girl catching her twin sister after she trips, an old man being assisted by a younger man) as well as people following rules and guidelines by themselves (including a woman with her headphones off and phone in her pocket)! I want to bring that energy to the new Link rails in this way!
10th Grade through 12 Grade
Hana G. 10th grade 2nd place
My piece was focused on taking care of each other while using the light rail. As a teenager, taking public transport can be scary sometimes, but going with someone else, whether it's a parent or a friend, always makes the journey more enjoyable. I used otters to represent the "look out for each other" theme because they are known for doing so out in the ocean buy holding hands. For my piece, it's a simple, friendly reminder for passengers to follow the otter's example. Along with the main design, I added the art from the transit itself going across the piece to relate it more to the train. I hope my art can not only serve as a reminder for people to take care of each other, but also brighten their day through cute otters!
Bryn P. 11th grade 1st place
I was initially inspired by the Sound Transit train windows, how their rectangular shape creates a perfect frame when looking into or out of the window. I used this frame idea to create two scenes showing different ways of being safe around trains. For example, holding onto poles and handles, standing behind the yellow line, taking headphones out and checking surroundings. I was also inspired by the design of Sound Transit trains and incorporated the wave shapes that appear on the side of the trains in the background. Lastly, I made sure to use bold colors, line work, and halftones to make the drawing stand out and give it a comic book feel.
