15 Jan 2009
Student Designed Float Garners $20,000 for Dallas ISD School
DALLAS—Save the Earth was the theme of the float designed by W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy students which took first place in the First Annual Vote for the Float design contest sponsored by Comerica Bank.
The float, designed by Greiner art students Christian Rodriguez and Alberto Huerta, was featured in this year's 2009 Comerica Bank New Year's Day Parade.
Dallas ISD middle schools submitted 56 design entries in the contest, and a panel of judges chose the top 10 designs which were all put together by professional float builders and featured in the parade.
The first place prize won $20,000 to be used by the school and its art program. J.L. Long Middle School placed second and Raul Quintanilla Middle School won third place.
The floats were judged American Idol style by parade attendees and viewers who voted for their favorite float via text messages and phone calls to dedicated lines provided by AT&T during the parade.
More than 18,000 participants voted in the contest.