WCPO and Closing the Health Gap sponsor slogan contest
Contributed
Before throwing down trash, Cincinnatians are encouraged to remember Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s slogan, “Don’t Trash the ‘Nati.” Chair of Cincinnati City Council’s Public Safety Committee, Councilmember Scotty Johnson said, “We want drivers to automatically think of a similar slogan before they speed or go through red lights.” Councilmember Mark Jeffreys has led Cincinnati City Council on a mission to make Cincinnati’s streets safer. Jeffreys said, “In order to make our streets safer, we must use every tactic available. We are constantly reminded of the three E’s: Engineering, Education, and Enforcement. This contest is a fun and exciting opportunity to let the kids do the educating, not just for their own safety but for all of us. “
All students in kindergarten through 12th grades from all schools are invited to submit a catchy slogan for this contest. Submissions can be by TikTok, video (mp4), photo, poster, or just emailed words. “We are thrilled that WCPO 9 and the Center for Closing the Health Gap enthusiastically joined us as partners,” added Councilmember Johnson. “We hope other media will join as well so drivers will slow down and stop running red lights.”
While students are busy creating slogans to remind drivers to slow down and stop at red lights, councilmembers encourage teachers, parents, and guardians to remind students about pedestrian safety rules: only cross at crosswalks, wait for the light, look both ways before crossing, and walk facing traffic. “It breaks my heart to see children darting out into the street and not even looking,” said Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. “Pedestrian safety rules should be second nature for pedestrians and drivers because everyone’s life is precious.”
The winning slogan to remind drivers to slow down and not run through red lights will be announced in late May. There will be one $500 prize for the winning slogan. Students may submit more than one slogan, and they may enter the contest individually or in a group. The Center for Closing the Health Gap will put together a panel of judges to choose the winning slogan.
“We owe a huge thank you to WCPO 9 and the Center for Closing the Health Gap for their sponsorship of this project. Another thank you goes out to Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Iranetta Wright and CPS Board members Dr. Kareem Moncree-Moffett and Mary Wineberg for their valuable input,” said Kearney.
The deadline to enter the Slow Down to Save Lives contest is May 12 at midnight. Submit slogans to https://closingthehealthgap.org/slow-down/
