Dakota News Now: Eight students win statewide billboard contest

Watch the news clip here: https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/04/22/eight-students-win-statewide-billboard-contest/

Eight South Dakota fourth graders are getting their own billboards thanks to a highway safety project!

The South Dakota Department of Transportation, the Associated General Contractors, and area contractors picked the winning work zone safety posters from several elementary student submissions from across the state.

The activity is a way to teach kids about safety and let their message help protect drivers and workers all construction season long.

“I was really amazed and kind of shocked that I won because a lot of people had really good pictures,” said Lola, a St. Michael’s fourth grader.

“I thought I wasn’t going to win because I thought there was going to be one winner,” said Cece, a St. Michael’s fourth grader.

“When I first did this, I thought I was never gonna win, but apparently I did win,” said Noah, a St. Michael’s fourth grader.

Those drawings are being turned into real billboards, reminding drivers to slow down and watch for road crews all construction season.