North American International Auto Show Announces 2013 Poster Contest Winners

TROY, MI--Dec. 19, 2012: The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today announced the winners of its annual high school poster contest held in conjunction with the upcoming 2013 show, which takes place Jan. 14-27 at Cobo Center in Detroit.  The grand prize, the Chairmens' Award of $1,000, will be presented to Morgan Barrow, a 12^th grade student at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills, Mich. The NAIAS 2013 chairmen, Jim Seavitt and Bob Shuman, selected the winning entry, which will be printed in the official NAIAS program.

Established to engage the creative minds of Michigan's future artists, the 25^th annual contest recognizes students from throughout the state. The 2013 contest had 69 high schools involved and 645 poster entries encompassing an automotive-related theme.

"The NAIAS is pleased to present the Poster Contest each year, which encourages high school students' creativity and interest in the NAIAS and global auto industry," said Seavitt.  "The talent seen in the poster entries from students and schools in Michigan is truly amazing.  We congratulate the winning artists."

Winners were also selected in the following categories and awarded cash prizes:

Honoree who received a $1,000 prize:

• State Farm Insurance Award

Dylan Balsitis, Mecosta Osceola Career Center, Big Rapids

Honorees who each received a $500 prize:

• Designer's Best of Show - Digital

Brinsley Kubiak, Careerline Technical Center, Holland

• Designer's Best of Show - Traditional

John Sroka, Lakeview High School, St. Clair Shores

• 10^th Grade Award, 1^st Place

Marissa Medici, Bishop Foley Catholic High School, Madison Heights

• 11^th Grade Award, 1^st Place

Daniel Gish, Careerline Technical Center, Holland

• 12^th Grade Award, 1^st Place

Ben Ellsworth, Saline High School, Saline

Honorees who each received a $250 prize:

• Most Creative Award

Alex Saenz, Andover High School, Bloomfield Hills

• Best Use of Color Award

Emiri Nishihira, Grand Blanc High School, Grand Blanc

• Best Theme Award

Ashwin Ganesan, Lahser High School, Bloomfield Hills

Honorees who each received a $250 prize:

• 10^th Grade Award, 2^nd Place

Julian Neshewat, Andover High School, Bloomfield Hills

• 11^th Grade Award, 2^nd Place

Tess Kolp, Grosse Pointe North High School, Grosse Pointe Woods

• 12^th Grade Award, 2^nd Place

Violet Gjocaj, William D. Ford Career Technical Center, Westland

Honorees who each received a $100 prize:

• 10^th Grade Award, 3^rd Place

Micha Paulateer, Lahser High School, Bloomfield Hills

• 11^th Grade Award, 3^rd Place

Britney Kastl, Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest, Wixom

• 12^th Grade Award, 3^rd Place

Stephen Sinacori, Stoney Creek High School, Rochester Hills

The poster entries were judged by the NAIAS 2013 Chairmen, a General Motors Automotive Designer, a College for Creative Studies Instructor, and State Farm Insurance Representatives. All winning entries will be posted on the official NAIAS website, naias.com, and will be on display January 19-27 at the NAIAS 2013. The 25^th Annual High School Poster Contest was open to Michigan students in grades 10 through 12.