For Immediate Release: Friday, March 27, 2026
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has announced the winners of its 2026 “Heads Up, Phones Down” teen video contest, an annual competition that empowers high school students to promote safer, distraction-free travel. This year’s contest drew nearly 100 creative entries from public and private school students across the County, all aimed at encouraging peers to stay focused and put their phones away while driving or walking.
Individual Grand Prize Winner: Julian Szell, John F. Kennedy High School
Julian Szell of John F. Kennedy High School was the grand prize individual winner with the message “One second can change everything. That text can wait.” Nubia Abatemam, Grace Mbonguy, Namibia Mustapha, and Grace Tawes of Richard Montgomery High School took the grand prize in the group category with the message “The Choice is Yours.”
Group Grand Prize Winners: Nubia Abatemam, Grace Mbonguy, Namibia Mustapha, and Grace Tawes, Richard Montgomery High School
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“We know that for young people, the most persuasive messaging comes from their peers,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “By participating in this contest, these students are helping to build a culture of safety and inspiring their peers to develop responsible phone habits. I want to thank the nearly 100 students who submitted entries this year—their leadership and commitment is helping make our roads and sidewalks safer for everyone.”
The County contest was open to Montgomery public and private high school students. Entries were submitted either individually or as a group of up to four in English or Spanish.
The MCDOT Pedestrian Safety team visited the schools of the grand prize winners on March 20, to surprise the creators of the top entries with prizes, balloons, and fanfare.
A grand prize, first- and second runner-up prizes were awarded in the group and individual categories. Winning group submissions split the $800 grand prize, and $400 and $200 prizes for first and second place, with gift cards for each member. Individual submission winners qualified for prizes including an Apple MacBook Pro, an Apple Watch, or a tripod.
The contest winners, with links to their winning videos:
Individual Winners
- Grand Prize Winner: Julian Szell, John F. Kennedy High School. ‘It Can Wait.’
- First Runner Up Winner: Tatiana Delgado, Einstein High School. ‘It Can Wait.’
- Second Runner Up Winner: Ethan Anyam, Springbrook High School. ‘One Scroll.’
Group Winners
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- Grand Prize Winners: Nubia Abatemam, Grace Mbonguy, Namibia Mustapha, and Grace Tawes, Richard Montgomery High School. ‘The Choice is Yours.’
- First Runner Up Winners: Ved Bhise and Andrew Kuan, Richard Montgomery High School. ‘Blindfold.’
- Second Runner Up Winners: Ruth Gelaye and Anna Jhon, Walter Johnson High School. ‘Don’t Become a Statistic.’
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 3,000 people were killed in car crashes caused by distracted drivers in 2023,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “More than one-third of teens who text have admitted to doing so while driving. We hope these videos will help to educate these young drivers of the importance of putting their phones away and focusing on the road.”
View the winning videos and photos of the winners on the Heads Up, Phones Down contest website at montgomerycountymd.gov/hupd.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Release ID: 26-043
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
Read the original article at mcdot