Andrea Galabinski Student Tangi Perry and mom Ruth Pole were joined by officials to help honor Perry's achievement. They included Courtney Ranieri, local WalkSafe coordinator; Sherika L. Colson, WalkSafe Statewide Ccoordinator; Dr. Gillian A. Hotz, director of the WalkSafe Program from the University of Miami Health System; Michelle King, director Child Advocacy Program of The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and Principal Joe Williams, III.

Friday, Dec. 4 was a very special day for J. Colin English Elementary School fifth-grader Tangi Perry. Not only was it her birthday, but the school had a special assembly in her honor as statewide winner of the WalkSafe program poster contest.

The WalkSafe program is an elementary school based program created in 2001 that teaches children the benefits of safely walking to and from school. Besides being a pedestrian injury prevention program, children are also taught the importance of exercise and living a healthier, more active lifestyle.

The program also improves the “walkability” in and around elementary schools by working collaboratively with community organizations.

A formal award presentation was made by program and community officials to Perry at the assembly.

“I knew her work was the winner the second I saw it,” said local WalkSafe Coordinator Courtney Ranieri.

Poster contest winner Tangi Perry and proud mom Ruth Poole at school assembly in her honor.

The theme was “Walk with your Eyes” and Perry’s work depicted two “eyes” walking across a street. “What we liked was the message, the color and how clear the message was presented.”

“We are here to honor one of our own,” said Principal Joe Williams, III, at the assembly. “She was not only the local winner but she won it for the entire state.”

Officials also commended J. Colin English Art Teacher Stacy Peres for her work on the project.

“Her (Perry’s) poster will be used for their logo next year,” said the school’s Dawn Forbrick, curriculum Specialist/MicroSociety coordinator. “She will also get a new pair of sneakers from Nike and a laptop computer.”

The school features the MicroSociety concept. “Our kids run a miniature city within the school, so it would be logical that one aspect would be WalkSafe, teaching them to be productive citizens in that they can know how to walk in their community safely.”

“I’m very proud of her,” said mom Ruth Poole, who also attended the assembly. Besides Williams, officials at the formal presentation of the honor included Courtney Ranieri, local WalkSafe Coordinator; Sherika L. Colson, WalkSafe Statewide coordinator; Dr. Gillian A. Hotz, director of the WalkSafe Program from the University of Miami Health System and Michelle King, director Child Advocacy Program of The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

“I’ve always likes art,” said Perry. “But I was very surprised when I found out I won.”

She said she learned she won the statewide honor in math class, and all her fellow students applauded her achievement.

Perry said she may be an artist someday.

To see Perry’s winning entry more closely or to learn about the program, visit the WalkSafe Web site at www.walksafe.us.