In a spirited competition promoting workplace safety among teens, five Oregon high schools have emerged as victors, clinching top honors in a media contest spotlighting youth laborer welfare. Sherwood, Parkrose, Lincoln, Cleveland, and Bend Senior High schools each boasted students who were recognized for their creativity in raising awareness through the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition's annual challenge, as reported by the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The 2024-25 event tasked budding minds to devise advertisements—either via sharp graphic design or a captivating video—aimed at compelling their counterparts to complete the O[yes] Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
With the freedom to select their message, theme, or punchline, students took it upon themselves to not only grab the attention of their peers but also to urge them into action. The contest, detailed on an official page, allowed participants to submit a graphic design or a short video, no longer than 90 seconds, to convey their point. As a result, classrooms transformed into incubators for humorous, poignant, and creative projects—all laser-focused on the ultimate goal: guiding new teen workers through the vital training necessary to ensure safety and health on the job.
On the video side, the first-place prize was snagged by Sherwood High School's own Kolbe Johnson, with his piece titled “Say Oh Yes to O[yes],” which earned him a tidy $500. Parkrose High School's Riley Clare followed with “Hazards Attack,” scooping $400 for second place, and Audrey Finkelstein of Lincoln High School landed in third with “O[No],” taking home $300. In the graphic design category, top honors went to Cleveland High School's Cipriano Johnson for “Safety Comes First,” which, like its video counterpart, brought $500 to its creator. Cleveland's talent continued to shine as Ben Kaufman’s “Be Safe” entry claimed second place and a $400 purse, with Bend Senior High's Kruz Najera rounding out the top three with “Symbols of Safety,” worth $300, the Department of Consumer and Business Services noted.
Those interested can view the winning submissions and hear from the contestants themselves on the O[yes] website.
