News Release

Omnitrans Announces Poetry in Motion Contest Winners
First Ever Event Open To Local Students

Twelve students from area schools were named winners in the first ever Student Poetry in Motion Contest honoring Rosa Parks. Although Omnitrans joined many transit agencies across the nation honoring Rosa Parks on December 1, 2005 by reserving the front seat in their fleet, the contest is the first of its kind for the agency.

“The Poetry in Motion Contest evolved from our desire to keep the memory of Rosa Park’s contribution to civil rights alive,” said Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Durand L. Rall. “We wanted to go beyond saving a seat on the bus and involve youth in our community.”

Judging was done by the San Bernardino City of Readers program. Poems were judged by the author’s use of creative language, imagery and rhyme. Judges also looked for strong emotional impact, such as Tara Castellanos, elementary school Best in Show winner’s entry:

“A humble, dignified woman of color, with strong beliefs of being equal to others,” wrote Castellanos in her opening line.

Other entries captured the bravery of Rosa Parks in striking words. “Taking a stand for one is having courage but taking a stand for many is having a heart of gold,” said Brenda Duenas, Best in Show winner from the middle school category.

Three Best In Show winners from Elementary, Middle and High School grade levels were chosen:

• Tara Castellanos
  Caryn Elementary School, Alta Loma

• Brenda Duenas
  Sequoia Middle School in Fontana

• Xochitl Flores
  Carter High School in Rialto

Nine Merit Award winners also were chosen from the three grade categories:

Best in Show Winners will have their poems displayed inside all Omnitrans buses during February and March to coincide with Black History and Women in History Months.

The Poetry in Motion Contest was sponsored by Omnitrans, The Sun, the San Bernardino City of Readers and Gameworks of Ontario.

Founded in 1976, Omnitrans is the public transit agency serving fifteen cities and the unincorporated areas of the Inland Valley of San Bernardino County in Southern California. Omnitrans currently operates 32 fixed bus routes in a
480-square-mile area. Omnitrans also provides OmniLink and Access
demand-response service, and is a partner in the Inland Empire Connection express bus service. The American Public Transportation Association has named Omnitrans the Outstanding Transit System of its size in both 1995
and 1999. Omnitrans also has received twelve safety awards from the
National Safety Council.