LOGAN – Winners of the 2024 Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest will be announced at Utah State University’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art Saturday, February 10 at their Community Art Day. The contest, which has received participation from over 1,000 talented teenagers across Utah and southern Idaho, provides a fresh perspective on tackling the issue of clean air.
Initiated in 2015 by USU professors Roslynn Brain McCann and Edwin Stafford, this year’s competition showcases the creativity and ingenuity of 57 finalists who have crafted powerful clean air public service announcements (PSAs). These young minds blend art, science, and cutting-edge marketing strategies to inspire Utah residents to take action in preserving clean air quality. Their PSAs are not just informative; they’re captivating, often featuring a blend of humor, edge, and elements from today’s pop culture.
The winning PSAs will not only earn recognition but will also serve as a catalyst for a statewide educational campaign, spanning across social media platforms.
This competition serves a crucial role in elevating awareness about air quality issues, especially during the winter inversion season when pollution levels spike. For many young participants, this contest is their first formal introduction to the local air pollution problem and its consequences. As they become advocates within their communities, engaging in conversations with family and friends, their impact extends beyond the competition.
“Our research shows that the contest is having an impact beyond the teens in educating Utahns about how to help keep the air healthy,” McCann said in a release.
Contestants often report adopting cleaner air practices such as reducing idling, participating in carpooling, and trip chaining. Equally important, they inspire their parents and wider social networks to embrace these practices.
Edwin Stafford praised the creative genius displayed by this year’s entries.
“The entries seem to get better and more ingenious every year,” Stafford said in a release. “Creative competitions are important vehicles for educating youth as they encourage the fun of learning, spark a competitive spirit, and provide self-discovery that you just can’t replicate in the classroom.”
The 2024 contest has received substantial support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, contributing over $6,000 in cash, gift cards, and merchandise as prizes for the winners.
The announcement event, commencing at 10:30 a.m., is open to the public and includes complimentary refreshments. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in a one-of-a-kind art activity guided by the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art‘s education staff, creating kinetic sculptures powered by clean air after the award ceremony.
As the contest gears up for its 10th anniversary in 2025, it continues to provide a dynamic platform for young innovators to address the urgent need for cleaner air and inspire positive change within their communities.
Participating high schools in 2024 include Logan, Ridgeline, Fast Forward, Green Canyon, Carbon, Whitehorse (Montezuma Creek), Westside, Preston, Grand County (Moab) and Granger (West Valley City).
