Fort Lee Students Win NY/NJ Port Authority Poster Contest

FORT LEE, NJ — The first-ever Port Authority’s Earth Month poster contest was awarded to Fort Lee students.

8-year-old Ha-Eun Iris Kim got first prize for the elementary school category, with a colorful drawing of the Midtown Bus Terminal and the George Washington Bridge.

The middle school category went to 14-year-old Steffi Ina Song, from Lewis F. Cole School, for a poster that depicted a scenario in which only electrical cars were allowed on the George Washington Bridge, the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge.

“My inspiration for my artwork came from how severely gas-powered vehicles affect Earth,” Song said. “Earth is our home and we must protect it from further harm.”

Students from grades K-12 living in New York and New Jersey were invited to submit hand-drawn posters that reflect this year’s Port Authority theme (Restore the Earth), while incorporating the agency's centennial celebration and one or more of their four bridges, two tunnels, or two bus facilities.

Song also took in some inspiration from the pandemic.

"Quarantine caused a drastic decrease in air pollution because fewer people drove gas-powered vehicles. If electrical vehicles replaced gas vehicles, the Earth would become a safer and sustainable place," she said.

Both Kim and Song's works are now being displayed on digital screens at the Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, until the end of the month.

The kids who placed in the five next spots were also from Fort Lee. Here's the full list:

• Jeongwon Stella Han, 10 years old
• Kayla Park, 8 years old
• Yujin Choi, 8 years old
• Aaron Baik, 9 years old
• Jiwon Woo, 9 years old