MENTOR, OH (News release) - For the sixth year, Avery Dennison® Graphics Solutions sponsored the Design-a-Bus-Wrap student art contest organized by Laketran, the public transit agency in Lake County, Ohio. The contest was open to the county's middle and high school students. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, students were encouraged to design a bus wrap showcasing America 250.

"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.

The bus wrap material was donated by Avery Dennison, a Lake County-based manufacturer and distributor of pressure-sensitive adhesive graphic films. The bus was wrapped in Avery Dennison MPI 1105 Easy Apply™ RS supercast digital film with DOL 1360Z optically clear gloss digital overlaminate. Avery Dennison also donated their MPI 2528 50/50 perforated film for the bus window graphics. Cleveland-based Repros Inc. provided the print production and installation of Passalacqua's winning design on the Laketran 2025 bus.

A panel of transit employees, graphic art professionals, and community leaders served as judges for the contest. Ava Passalacqua, a sophomore at Riverside High School, was this year's first place winner for her bus design themed "We The People." Her red, white and blue artwork, depicting American flags and bald eagle imagery, was transformed into a full bus wrap on one of Laketran's propane-powered Dial-a-Ride vehicles that will be displayed for a 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."

Other contest standouts include second place winner Lailah Kerslake from iSchool Virtual Academy and third place winner Anna Sweet from iStem/Auburn Career Center.

"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.

To see all the winning designs visit: https://laketran.com/laketran-announces-winners-of-2026-art-contest/ and graphics.averydennison.com for film information.