UPDATE: Local high schoolers competing in national contest

By: Angie Atalla

UPDATE: The Bloomingdale students won the contest. They will receive $10,000 for their project Buckle Up. The team will also designate a $5,000 grant to the Katie Marchetti Memorial Foundation. The school was one of ten nationwide chosen to compete in the contest.

Valrico, Florida- Bloomingdale High School is one of 2 Florida schools and one of only 10 high schools across the country chosen to compete in a teen activism contest. "Act Out Loud: Raising Voices for Safe Teen Driving" rewards the nation's best teen-led, school-based safe driving projects. The object of the contest is to raise awareness for safe teen driving and save lives.

You can vote for your favorite project until May 9 at www.ActOutLoud.org. The top 3 teams, based on total online votes, will be announced May 12. Teams will receive cash awards to further support safe teen driving education efforts. First place will receive $10,000, second place $5,000 and third place $3,000. A $5,000 grant will also be awarded to the non-profit national youth organization designated by the first place winning team.

May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month.