J.H. Gunn takes top honor in fire prevention contest

For the past 22 years, schools in the Charlotte area prepared and participated in Fire Prevention Week.

This year, 48 schools celebrated the national week, held Oct. 7-13, by participating in the 2012 Fire Prevention Week Bulletin Board Contest.

One Charlotte-Mecklenburg School was a standout. Third graders at J.H. Gunn Elementary won the 2012 bulletin board contest, sponsored by area businesses and the Charlotte Fire Department.

In the contest, students created an interactive display based on the theme “Know 2 Ways Out.” The concept refers to safe ways to exit a building during a fire.

Charlotte Fire Chief Jon Hannan presented the elementary school with a trophy and a check for $3,000 on Oct. 12. Firefighters also gave students tips on how to safely exit a burning building, and they competed with youth in a relay contest.

Other CMS finalists include Reedy Creek Elementary in second place, winning $2,000; and Cornelius Elementary in fourth place, winning $500.