American Airlines selects Oak Park resident as children’s poster contest winner

American Airlines selects Oak Park resident as children’s poster contest winner

Jenna Bock

American Airlines had its seventh annual "Kids’ Poster Contest" in honor of Earth Day and 6-year-old Jenna Bock of Oak Park was one of 14 winners selected for her creativedrawing.

Hundreds of children between the ages of three and 18 submitted posters with drawings pertaining to this year's theme: "A Natural Commitment: Protecting Our Planet."

Any child related to an American Airlines employee or retiree–child, grandchild, niece or nephew–was eligibleto compete. Entries were received from 18 countries.

The winning posters were selected by a panel of judges comprised of nearly 250 American Airlines employees, and will be used for an American Airlines 2002 calendar that will be distributed to employees and given out at promotional events, beginning Sept. 1.

THE WINNER--The award-winning Earth Day poster by Jenna Bock

Each winner and his or her immediate family was flown to American's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 1 for a weekend of festivities, including an awards ceremony and a day at Six Flags Amusement Park.

"Entries were submitted from children around the world, including Sweden, Belgium, and Colombia," said Tim Ahern, vice president of safety, security and environment at American.

"With so many creative posters submitted this year, it was a difficult task for our judges to determine the winners. This is truly an honor and accomplishment that Jenna can be proud of."