Area Schools Recognized in the Battle of the Belt Competition

Every year the Missouri Department of Transportation conducts a “Battle of the Belt” competition for Northeast Missouri area schools. The Battle of the Belt is a student safety belt competition which runs from October 1 thru November 9.

The Missouri teen seat belt usage rate statewide is 67%. The desire is to educate young drivers on responsible driving habits and to remind them about the importance of wearing their seat belt every time they are in a vehicle and to NOT text and drive.

Palmyra, Mark Twain, Highland and South Shelby High schools were all recognized for having over 90% compliance in the competition.  Kenneth Holstine, Principal at Palmyra, and Aaron Johnson, Student Resource Officer and BOTB coordinator, were presented with a gold banner for the school's dedication and hard work during the Battle of the Belt competition, having 99.08% seat belt usage. Being a sponsor of Battle of the Belt, American Family Insurance also presented the school with a $500 check for being the most improved in the northeast region.  The school improved their seat belt usage by 55.26%.

Meanwhile, Adria Palmer and Brooke Hudson, Student Council Advisors and BOTB coordinators, along with student council members at Mark Twain High School were presented with a silver banner for the school's hard work during the Battle of the Belt competition, having 96.67% seat belt usage.

Student members of the FCCLA organization at South Shelby High School, along with Dee Kirby and Deacon Windsor, were also presented with a bronze banner for the school's dedication and hard work during the Battle of the Belt competition, having 91.07% seat belt usage.