Poster contest winners receive checks

For three local third-graders, learning fire safety turned out to be rewarding - in more ways than one.

The three were presented with checks from the Carson City Fire Department on Wednesday for their posters entered in the "Fire Drills: The great escape" poster contest.

"I drew a school with people getting out," said America Cisneros, 9, from Empire elementary. "It was an escape from a fire."

America won third place in the contest, receiving a $10 check. First place went to 8-year-old Steven Chaparro of Bordewich-Bray Elementary School for $25. Angie Whisler, 8, from Mark Twain Elementary walked away with a $15 check for second place.

The contest was held as part of the National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 14-20.

"It is to heighten awareness about getting out of a burning building," said Lee Ann Horton, a fire inspector at Fire Station 1. "It's important for the children to be able to get out. Percentage-wise we still have way too many fire deaths in the United States with children."

Angie drew the fire-escape plan her family has determined for her home. She said it is important for all families to to have an escape plan.

"In case you have a fire at your house, you could escape real easy," she said.

Angie's mother, Kim Whisler, was also pleased with the poster.

"It means that she's understood the things that we've taught her and the things she learned at school," Whisler said. "She'll be able to get out in case there's a fire."

Steven also drew the escape plan for his own home, including personal details.

"I drew my mom's Taz collection in her room," he said.

Steven was excited to hear the news that he had won.

"I actually heard my name over the intercom," he said.

His mother, Tricia Acosta, was excited, too.

"I didn't even know there was a contest," she said. "I'm real proud of him because he worked really hard on that poster."