Earlier this spring, MHS hosted a Golden Ticket Day for safe student drivers and passengers who wore their seatbelt on the way to the building in the morning. Each student was handed a Golden Ticket where they would write their name, put their ticket in a box at lunch, and wait to hear their name be called for winning a prize in a raffle. The prizes included multiple gift cards.
Behind the Event
An MHS Student and member of the Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council, Nathan Colagross (That’s me!), began the setup for the event, working with Principal Fullerman to coordinate the perfect day to hand out the tickets to students. It turned out to be a beautiful Friday morning with temperatures around 60 degrees, which made the outside very enjoyable. The event aimed to promote safe student driving with an activity initially created by the Student Safety Council in October, and with good weather, the activity was finally able to take place.
The event aimed to raise awareness for and support safe driving habits, namely seatbelt use. As many high school students reach the age of getting their license, it is important to remember that safety is a requirement, not just an option. This isn’t just a law, but a way to keep students safe while they navigate the roads, which can be dangerous places. As a result, the event served as a reminder for all students to put on their seatbelt each time they enter a vehicle, and to practice safe driving habits.
Turnout
As another Friday came for eager students ready to end their week, students rolled into the building in the early 7 a.m. hours, being dropped off by parents, busses, or driving themselves. Safe student walkers and bikers were also included. Each of these students were handed a Golden Ticket by the lovely people who volunteered their time to help, with Mr. Fullerman and MHS Administration helping with tickets at the front of the building. Members of the Ohio School Safety Center also made the trip from around NE Ohio to help with the event, waking up early to drive to MHS and support our students. School Safety Liaisons Carlie Hangartner and Ed Anderson, as well as Mobile Training Officer Burke Engelhardt and Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Vince Shirey made the trip to pass out tickets on the north side of the building.
In total, nearly 2000 tickets were distributed to MHS students with winning names being drawn the following Monday. Jay Breaux, Olivia Wojtasik, and Breanna Cundiff won the gift card rewards, taking home some free prizes for simply wearing their seatbelt.
Senior Sonja Marich commented that the event “brought [her] joy” and that it “felt good to be rewarded for doing what is right.” Safe to say, students were pleased with a surprise ticket!
Let this be a reminder to always drive safely and wear your seatbelt, because who knows, you might walk out of school with a prize one day for doing something so simple! You can view a video on the event and a highlight for Nathan with a link here.
