FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Six Maryland Youth Artists Recognized for Creative Designs
BALTIMORE, MD (April 22, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Environment, today announced the winners of the third annual Earth Day Art Competition. This youth-centered initiative received more than 70 entries that highlighted the role public transit plays in building a cleaner, more connected future and the importance of environmental stewardship.
“The work from these talented young artists will promote a more environmentally friendly and healthier future for everyone," said Jawauna Greene, Assistant Secretary for the Maryland Department of Transportation. "Through the power of art, education and community engagement, we are building a more sustainable transportation system that serves and connects all communities.”
Entries were judged by a diverse panel representing civic organizations, art/environmental education, and the local news media. The six finalists chosen in this year’s competition represent Baltimore City and Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties:
- “Take the Bus to Keep Maryland Beautiful” by Flora Freed, age 6, of Cockeysville
- “A Ride Through Maryland” by Ouim Youn, age 8, of Frederick
- “Through the Eyes of Maryland” by Alex Reitter, age 10, of Reisterstown
- “Public Transportation Heals the Earth” by Melvin Walton, age 11, of Capitol Heights
- “Cherry Blossom Ride” by Isra Makine, age 13, of Baltimore City
- “Choose the Bus” by Anna Santana age 17, of Silver Spring
“Transit plays a critical role in connecting communities and expanding access to jobs, education and opportunity,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “We are excited to showcase the creativity of our State’s youth and how transit, community and the environment are connected.”
The two specially designed zero-emission buses with the finalist’s artwork will travel across the Baltimore region to remind the public that taking transit is a simple, affordable, convenient and sustainable transportation option every day.
"Today is about lifting up the voices of our young people, whose creativity and vision are moving across Baltimore on zero-emission buses," said Secretary of Environment Serena McIlwain. "Climate action is community-driven and already underway."
The finalist’s artwork will also be displayed in the Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent’s Student Gallery on Baltimore Street. Photos and more information on the Earth Day Art Competition are available at mta.maryland.gov/earthdayart.
“It’s inspiring to see our students express their visions for a greener future through art," said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “These creative voices highlight the intersection of education and environmental stewardship, and remind us that when students are empowered, their impact can ripple far beyond the classroom.”
The Earth Day Art Contest is one of several initiatives the agency undertakes to promote sustainability. The agency offers free transit days, including on Earth Day, to make it easier for individuals to choose more environmentally friendly travel options. The agency was also recently awarded U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver certification for the newly constructed Purple Line Operations and Maintenance Facility located in Glenridge, Maryland.
Today’s unveiling of the Earth Day buses took place at Parks & People Foundation, steps away from Mondawmin Metro Subway Station, one of the region’s busiest transit hubs with transfer points for 11 bus routes. The Foundation is a Baltimore institution that embodies the spirit of creativity and community and whose core value is the belief that every resident in Baltimore deserves equal access to safe, health, and vibrant green space. Learn more about Park & People programs at parksandpeople.org.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service, and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook or YouTube and follow us on Twitter/X and Bluesky Social.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
###
