Elaheh Khazi won the 14- to 17-year-old category of Caltrans' annual Highway Safety poster contest. Poster by Elaheh Khazi
By Caroline Moreno
Division of Public Affairs
Each year, Caltrans holds its annual Highway Safety poster contest. The contest is open to children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Caltrans employees, and it gives the children an opportunity to express their messages about the importance of driving safely in or near highway work zones. It also allows them to be part of Caltrans’ educational outreach and life-saving message.
The contest was open to children 17 years old or younger, and judges selected posters based on creativity, how well the poster conveyed the highway safety theme, and the use of color.
Although the posters differ greatly in appearance, they all convey one of these important messages, "Be Work Zone Alert" or "Move Over."
You can view the winning entries online. They are:
14-17 years old
Elaheh Khazi is a 14-year-old freshman honor student at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont. She loves learning new languages, traveling, music and sports. Her father, Parwiz Khazi, is a transportation electrical engineer in District 4, Traffic Operations. Elaheh says “People need to drive cautiously and avoid major collisions in work zones. I wanted to portray the consequences of drunk driving and texting while driving. I hope my artwork conveys the dangers and people will heed this life saving message to “Be Work Zone Alert.”
Honorable mention: Addison Rice, 15; father is Andrew Rice, senior transportation surveyor in District 11.
Stella White’s posterwon the 11- to 13-year-old category.
Poster by Stella White
11-13 years old
Stella White is the 13-year-old daughter of Jim White, an equipment operator in District 2. She is a 7th grader at Quincy Jr./Sr. High School who enjoys sports, writing, cooking and hanging out with family and friends. Stella wants people to drive safely in work zones so nothing will happen to her dad while he’s working.
Honorable mention: Izabella Nicole Neri, 11; father is Tommy Neri, highway maintenance leadworker in District 11.
Kendall Rose Arangure’s posterwon the 7- to 10-year-old category..
Poster by Kendall Rose Arangure
7-10 years old
Kendall Rose Arangure’s favorite things are mac ’n cheese and her dog. In addition to skateboarding, this 8-year-old third grader at Inspire School loves art. Her father is John Arangure, District 11 transportation surveyor. Being selected to paint an electrical box for the city of Vista was a major highlight for this young artist. Kendall thinks it’s important for drivers to pay attention because it keeps her dad safe.
Honorable mention: Kaytie McCloud, 7; father is Roah McCloud, transportation engineering technician in District 3.
Mia Tokmakov’s posterwon the 11- to 13-year-old category..
Poster by Mia Tokmakov
6 years old and under
Mia Tokmakov is the 6-year-old daughter of Andrey Tokmakov, District 3 Transportation engineer. She plays the piano and is bilingual. Mia’s favorite things are horses, swimming and ice cream. She also enjoys drawing and making crafts. Mia wants everyone who works on the roads to come home to their families every day.
Honorable mention: Neelsa Bigdeli, 5; father is Aliakbar Bigdeli, transportation engineer in the Division of Engineering Services, Materials Engineering and Testing Services.