Building connections in the community is what the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News’ Design an Ad contest is all about.
The competition has elementary school classes from across SD42 design and create ads for businesses across both communities.
This year, 140 students in six classes from three elementary schools across the district took part in the contest that was sponsored by 18 businesses.
Students who took part were in Grades 3-6 at Yennadon Elementary, Harry Hooge Elementary, and Pitt Meadows Elementary.
They had four weeks to complete their projects, then a winner was chosen by each business.
Natalie Nielsen’s Grade 4/5 class at Pitt Meadows Elementary took part, designing ads for Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, Mark’s, MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas, and Haney Appliance & Sound.
Nielsen has had her classes participate for several years, and she looks forward to the competition every year.
“This is a great project for the ADST curriculum as students go through the design process,” Nielsen explained about the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies subjects.
As part of the process, her students researched the companies, looked at each website to see if there were colours or images that the companies prominently used, they also looked for statements that could help them come up with a slogan.
Then, based on their research, they put together their designs.
“It is a great cross-curricular activity combining ADST, art, and English. It also makes them more connected to community,” said Nielsen.
“This year one of the companies we researched was the Pitt Meadows (Regional) Airport, so we also did a field trip there and learned about the businesses there and the pilot education program,” she added.
Nielsen said her students loved taking part.
“It gave us an opportunity to put our art into the world,” said 10-year-old Forrest.
Faryn, 9, noted that the contest gave them an opportunity to learn about the companies.
Gabrielle, also 9, said it gave her a chance to showcase her art.
And, Ronan, 11, said it was something fun to do.
Charlie Costa, general manager of The News, said this was the biggest Design an Ad contest in recent memory.
“We had even more businesses and more classes that wanted to take part,” said Costa, adding he expects next year’s competition to be even bigger.
Students were also treated to a pizza party sponsored by Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal, and Panago Pizza to celebrate their hard work.
“Everyone had a great time. And, the connection between our businesses and our community has never been closer,” said Costa.
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