Clean Air Partners, a public-private partnership chartered by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, last week announced the winners of its 2012 slogan contest, including Rida Ali, a sixth-grader at Farmwell Station Middle School.

In addition, Clean Air invites local students to enter its annual poster contest. Both contests are part of the program’s school-based curriculum to encourage local middle school students and educators to study and actively pursue solutions for air pollution and climate change.

The slogan contest called on fourth- through eighth-grade students to submit a creative catchphrase intended to inspire action to reduce air pollution and improve the region’s air quality.

Rida won the contest in Category One (grades four through six) with the slogan “Go Green and Keep the Air Clean!” The Ashburn student will receive a $150 gift card as well as recognition for her winning slogan during the Clean Air Partners Annual Celebration in May.

Potomac, MD, resident Samuel Yosef took the Category Two prize (grades seven and eight) for the slogan “Fresh air is the start to living life smart.” Clean Air Partners will use the Cabin John Middle School student’s slogan as the theme for its poster contest.

Call for Entries: Clean Air Partners 2012 Poster Contest

Using Samuel’s slogan, “Fresh air is the start, to living life smart,” Clean Air Partners invites fourth- through eighth-grade students to enter posters illustrating how people can improve the region’s air quality with everyday actions to reduce emissions and air pollution.

“We are excited to continue students’ engagement in addressing air quality and the importance of taking action to prevent air pollution,” said Leta Mach, chair of Clean Air Partners. “Last year’s contest received a record-high 450 submissions, and we are aiming to top that number with this year’s poster contest.”

All entries must be postmarked no later than March 16. Additional rules apply. For more information, visit: www.cleanairpartners.net/contest.cfm.  

First, second, and third place winners will be chosen in each category, for a total of six winners. All winners will be notified by April 20. Winners receive gift cards and have their posters placed during display at the Clean Air Partners Annual Celebration. Clean Air Partners will invite winning students, their teachers, and their parents to attend the event for formal recognition. Winning posters will also be featured on the Clean Air website, Facebook page and in local media outreach efforts.