Texas State student a finalist for national video prize

Posted by University News Service
July 23, 2009

Juliana Hinojosa, an 18-year-old sophomore at Texas State University-San Marcos, is a finalist in the 2009 Bridgestone Americas Safety Scholars video contest.

The top 10 finalists have been selected in the national competition, which challenges 16- to 21-year old drivers to create short videos about automotive safety or, new this year, making eco-conscious decisions when operating a vehicle. The finalists were selected from 817 entries received by Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Three grand prize winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship and a set of new Bridgestone- or Firestone-brand tires; additionally, their videos may be used on television stations nationwide as part of a public service announcement campaign. These public service announcements are supported by Bridgestone Americas in cooperation with Driver’s Edge, a national non-profit organization which provides free classroom and behind-the-wheel defensive driving instruction for teens in cities across the United States.

Hinojosa’s video is titled “The Other Driver.” It deals with the death of her brother, who was killed in 2007 by a drunk driver. It shows how a fatal drunk driving accident affects the lives of surviving friends and family members.

The three scholarship winners will be selected by voters, and ballots must be cast by Aug. 3. To view the videos and cast a vote, visit: http://safetyscholarsvideo.com/index.php?/site/09top10