Safe Driving Takes the Spotlight in “Lookin’ Out Idol”

Paula would have loved it, Randy would have given it big props, and even Simon would have agreed that the second annual “Lookin’ Out Idol” at Sherwood High School, Md., was a big hit.

But instead of belting out their favorite tunes, “Lookin’ Out Idol” contestants had to correctly answer questions about traffic safety to win the Idol title.

“The event got a great response from the student body and the administration,” said Amy Robinson, president of Sherwood’s Lookin’ Out committee. “It promoted all the key messages of Lookin’ Out while being fun for everyone.”

With more than 100 students participating, the activity done at Sherwood was one of the most successful during their three years in the program.

How it works

Sherwood held the first “Lookin’ Out Idol” contest in 2006 after brainstorming fun ways to promote safe driving.

Taking a page from Fox’s “American Idol,” the Lookin’ Out rendition includes student contestants facing a panel of three teachers serving as judges, and advancing through a series of rounds by correctly answering questions about traffic safety issues.

Some questions have multiple choice options while others are open-ended and require a decision from the judges.

Topics range from crash statistics and basic vehicle maintenance, to knowing the Maryland driving laws and point system.

A correct response advances contestants to the next round while an incorrect response leads to elimination. Eventually the field is narrowed to one winner earning the title of “Lookin’ Out Idol.”

Keys to success

Effectively marketing the event was key to attracting a high level of participation in this year’s contest.

“We made announcements, hung flyers all around the school, and on the day of the event we personally invited groups of kids to come challenge their friends,” says Amy. “We also had a lot of prizes to give away too.”

Lookin’ Out lanyards and key chains could be earned with a correct response in the early rounds, and the top winners received Lookin’ Out sweatshirts.

The committee also made certain they communicated their plans with teachers and the administration in advance of the contest.

“For an event that was relatively easy to organize, we heard a lot of positive comments and feel it left a lasting impression with everyone,” Amy added.

Sherwood plans to hold the third annual “Lookin’ Out Idol” contest next year.

Juniors Kelly Cromwell (left) and Aaron Yee were the top two winners of “Lookin’ Out Idol.” See more photos.

The judges and organizers of “Lookin’ Out Idol,” from left, first row: Mr. Kevin Bernot, Mrs. Christine McKeldin, Ms. Ailleen Woolley. Second row: Alissa Katz, Dan Freedman, Cassie Beard, Sofi Klein, Amy Robinson and Brandon Earp.