Laketran unveils winning design of 2026 student Bus Wrap Art Contest
Laketran unveils winning design of 2026 student Bus Wrap Art Contest
Riverside High School Sophomore Ava Passalacqua wins local transit art contest
Lake County, OH – Laketran is proud to announce the winners of their 2026 Design a Bus Wrap student art contest. The theme for this year’s contest was America 250 in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Ava Passalacqua, a sophomore at Riverside High School, won first prize for her design entry themed, “We the People.” As the top winner, Passalacqua’s design will be displayed on one of Laketran’s propane powered Dial-a-Ride buses for one year.
“I wanted the bus to be meaningful while incorporating the “America 250” theme. By combining classic vibrant American symbols that people can recognize, with an artistic style that represents school spirit and creativity,” Passalacqua shared of her design. “I was inspired by traditional Fourth of July celebrations.”
The contest was open to middle school and high school students from Lake County. Students were encouraged to create designs reflecting how Lake County and Ohio have contributed to the history of America.
“We’re thrilled to once again offer local students the opportunity to blend public transportation with public art. Partnering with our schools allows us to spark creativity, encourage community engagement, and highlight the vital role transit plays in our region,” shared Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “The creativity in this year’s entries has been truly inspiring, showcasing the incredible talent of student artists across Lake County. We’re proud to continue collaborating with our community partners to bring these ideas to life and inspire the next generation.”
A panel consisting of transit employees, graphic art professionals, and community leaders served as judges for the contest.
Avery Dennison, a Lake County-based manufacturer and distributor of pressure-sensitive adhesive materials, sponsored the contest and donated the vinyl material used to wrap the vehicle.
“A commitment to people and community—this is what Avery Dennison stands proud to represent. And we are grateful to be a part of this incredible Design-A-Bus event for Laketran and Lake County,” said David Korvah, Marketing Manager at Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions.
“Each year, our team is honored to sponsor this program in support of our local schools and the creativity of our students. Laketran Design-A-Bus showcases our students' artistic talents while introducing them to a canvas for creative expression offered by the graphics and transportation industries. 'We the People,' the winning bus design from Ava Passalacqua, a sophomore at Riverside High School, is a perfect example of the captivating artistic medium graphic vinyl films provide to communicate a powerful and positive message. Congratulations, Ava,” said Korvah.
Contest winners include:
· 1st Place – Ava Passalacqua, Riverside High School
· 2nd Place – Lailah Kerslake, iSchool Virtual Academy
· 3rd Place – Anna Sweet, iStem/Auburn Career Center
The top 20 finalists will be on display at the Lakeland Transit Center. The three winning designs can be viewed online at https://laketran.com/laketran-announces-winners-of-2026-art-contest/