TriMet buses and bus stop benches will get some new decoration next month, courtesy of local school children who competed in the Washington County Kids Poster Contest.

It's the first time this event has been held and it aims to highlight the work of after-school programs in keeping youth engaged and providing them with the tools to succeed later in life.

The theme was "After School Is Cool!" It prompted participating students — ranging from kindergarten through high school — to create posters that showcase what they love about their after-school programs.

Submissions came in from the Hillsboro Inukai Family Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA at West Tualatin View Elementary School, and THRIVE Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center.

Themes for the submissions ranged from activities to the quality time children get to spend with one another during after-school activities.

One family filled all the top slots of the middle and high school category, with three siblings' submissions receiving the top ranks.

For posters that required photos, all of the shots were taken by local photographer Angie Ross.

The top three submissions for each age group were:

Middle/High School Category

• First Place: Namulondo O'Donnell — Hillsboro Inukai Family Boys and Girls Club, Hillsboro High School. Theme: Hillsboro High Band.

• Second Place: Nambi O'Donnell — Hillsboro Inukai B&G Club & Hillsboro Mat Club, South Meadows Middle School.

• Third Place: Achar O'Donnell — Hillsboro Inukai B&G Club & Drama Club, South Meadows Middle School.

Elementary School Category

• First Place: Nathan Bedrossian — Hillsboro Inukai Family Boys & Girls Club, Verne McKinney Elementary School. Theme: B&G Club activities.

• Second Place: Megumi Kuwabara — Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District THRIVE, Hiteon Elementary School. Theme: Playing with friends; altogether, all united.

• Third Place: Emberly Bruhn — THPRD Thrive, Conestoga Elementary School. Theme: Sharing interests with many different kids of all ages.

These winners and other submissions will adorn the sides of Washington County TriMet buses and on the benches at bus stops. Organizers say that they are working with TriMet and expect the posters to be featured sometime in March.