Harry Van Dyke wins AAA poster contest

WEST MILFORD — Harry Van Dyke won first place in the AAA poster contest for his public service announcement poster/DVD and best overall. Harry received $300 for his first place entry and $500 for best overall high school entry. Harry’s public service announcement was about the need for people to be careful when driving because driving irresponsibly can cause lasting pain to loved ones. Harry focused on the tragic car accident that led to the death of two former students. He interviewed people who were affected by it. Michael Padilla was presented with a $50 check as the teacher overseeing the contest.

The AAA Poster Contest began in 1945 to reward students across America for combining traffic safety messages with their personal art. For 70 years now, students have developed a greater awareness of traffic safety by using their own creativity and originality. In New Jersey, the AAA Clubs receive thousands of entries.

The contest is divided as follows: Kindergarten, Primary (grades 1 and 2), Elementary (grades 3 to 5), Junior High (grades 6 to 8) and High School (poster entry and DVD public service announcement). Each grade division has its own appropriate topic such as "Play Away From Traffic," “Buckle Up" or “Distracted Driving."

First place winners receive $300, second place winners get $150 and third place winners receive $100. In addition, an overall high school winner from the first place poster entries and the DVD public service announcement entries receives a special $500 award. Teachers of the first place winners are awarded $50.