Designs from students at North Valleys High, Depoali Middle, and Jesse Hall Elementary schools are scheduled to adorn the tops of some Whittlesea Checker taxicabs for the next year.
Each school received $1,000 on Tuesday for its students placing first in the fourth annual Design a Taxi-Top Competition, sponsored by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada Foundation. Money will go toward classroom art supplies.
Entrants were asked to use their creativity to explain to business travelers and tourists why the Truckee Meadows is an ideal place to live, play, and work.
“I did my best to outline what Reno is about because it’s not emphasized enough,” said North Valleys student Ricardo Rubalcaba Paredes, whose design included hot air balloons against the backdrop of downtown. “I think it’s important to emphasize the area and what’s offered.”
Allen Lumbao was the winning middle school student. His design consisted of a snowboarder near the Reno Arch.
Rylyn Talancon was the top elementary school student. Her design included snow-capped mountains, forests and a lake with ducks.
A panel of judges from the EDAWN Foundation evaluated approximately 60 entries for originality, artistic creativity and message for improving Northern Nevada’s image.
“It was a pretty exciting opportunity for us to partner with the school district to showcase what we are, and not just a small part of our community,” said Mike Kazmierski, EDAWN president and CEO. “As many of you remember, not too long ago, we only saw one or two messages on our taxi tops and they were certainly not the kind of messages we wanted our visitors to resonate with.”
Kazmierski was referring to advertisements for adult-related businesses.
Superintendent Traci Davis said seeing student art on top of cabs will be exciting.
“We are very proud that our students’ artwork will be displayed throughout our area on taxicabs,” Davis said. “So many of our students are talented and artistic, and this is a great way to honor and acknowledge their gifts and talents.”
