This press release has been featured by EMS World and NOEMSF.

First responders from all three public safety agencies gathered for the 16^th annual Orleans Parish Communications District (OPCD) Poster Contest.  The contest included over 600 entries from students in grades kindergarten through 12 from schools across New Orleans.  The theme of the contest was “Dialing 9-1-1 for help.”

The poster contest serves as an opportunity for students to express the importance of first responders to the New Orleans community.  It not only acts as a bridge between the three branches of public safety, but also creates a meaningful dialogue through art on the role that 9-1-1 dispatchers play during an emergency.

The ceremony was hosted by Ms. Ausettua Amoramenkum, the Education Coordinator for OPCD.  The awards were sponsored by New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans EMS Foundation, New Orleans Fraternal Order of Police, The Black Organization of Police, in addition to a variety of private and anonymous donors.

Sean Ahn, from Hynes Charter School, won first place in grades K-5 and received a cash prize of $500. Santiago Mencos, from Hynes Charter School, won first place in grades 6-8 and received a cash prize of $500.  This award was sponsored by the New Orleans Fraternal Order of Police.

Meg MacLeran, from Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, won first place in grades 9-12 and received a cash prize of $500.  This award was sponsored by the New Orleans EMS Foundation.

Jasmine Williams, from Edna Karr High School, won the grand prize and received a cash prize of $1000.

All four winning posters will be featured on the 2016 9-1-1 Poster.  The finalists from all age groups are pictured below.