Create Real Impact is an online competition that generates awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.

According to createrealimpact.com, “Young people can enter to win cash and prizes by showcasing art, music, video and creative writing to address reckless and distracted driving and solve the problem. It’s that simple. This unique opportunity allows for a safe and expressive platform to speak out and create real impact.”

Bob Jones students entered their artwork on November 1^st and their works were critiqued by two sets of people. The first was the public. The second was a set of judges. There were cash prizes for the grand winners and runner-ups; even the school with the most entries won $1500.

The good news? In total, Bob Jones had one grand prize winner and two runner-ups! The grand prize was $1500, and the runner-ups got $250 each! Bob Jones also won $1500 by being the school with the most entries in the contest. The money will most likely go toward school renovations.

Bob Jones senior Kaitlyn McGinnis was involved in a car wreck that almost cost her life last year. She explained, “I entered the contest because I was in a car wreck with a distracted driver and I want to prevent others from being in one. There is no excuse for distracted driving! It can be prevented!” Kaitlyn won $250 for a video she submitted about her experience with distracted driving.

The overall winner for the contest, Mary Butgereit, said, “Driving safe is important because it’s an extremely real threat that most people don’t even notice. It’s happened to hundreds of thousands of people, even geniuses and otherwise careful people, so why not you? You go farther than you think when you check your cell phone or reply to a text. I mean, seriously, you’re traveling 40 miles per hour in a two-ton hunk of metal, and you’re willing to shut your eyes and look away. Its important that people know the dangers of distracted driving, and these contests are one way for people to get educated.” Mary won $1500 for the artwork she submitted.

Create Real Impact is a great way for young adults to learn the dangers of distracted driving and earn money for their creativity.