NJ TRANSIT CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY WITH STUDENT BUS DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS

May 19, 2026

NEWARK, NJ - In recognition of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, NJ TRANSIT unveiled the winning designs from a statewide student art competition. Students from Overbrook High School in Pine Hill and Art Lab Studios in Fort Lee designed original artwork that celebrates America's milestone birthday, while also highlighting New Jersey's contributions to our nation's history. The designs will be featured as graphics on two buses, one in South Jersey and one in North Jersey.

"New Jersey played a central role in the founding of this nation, and it's fitting that students from across our state captured that story so powerfully in their designs," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. "NJ TRANSIT is honored to carry these works of art on our buses as we celebrate this milestone anniversary."

The winning design for South Jersey is by Lisaury Adames Valenzuela from Overbrook High School. The bus wrap incorporates a blend of bright colors to bring a feeling of joy and comfort. It depicts monarch butterflies, the blazing star flower and the Cape May lighthouse. It also shows the Statue of Liberty, America's symbol of freedom.

The winning submission for North Jersey was designed by the following 11^th grade students at Art Lab Studio in Fort Lee.

• Eunice Cho

• Sarah Chun

• Charles Fong

• Yuna Lee

• Aryn Ryu

• Jenny Xu

The design emphasizes and celebrates the triumphant moments in American history. The design incorporates moments such as George Washington's crossing of the Delaware, "Molly Pitcher's" iconic contributions to the Revolutionary War, Thomas Edison's innovation of the lightbulb, and the nation's first boardwalk in Atlantic City to show New Jersey's involvement in shaping the country. The design incorporates energetic stars and stripes to capture a sense of illumination along the historical paths leading to a brighter future.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 264 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.