Metra is proud to unveil its 2011-2012 safety campaign, "Lead the Way: Look, Listen and Live." For the sixth year, Metra invites students in grades K-12 throughout the six-county region it serves to submit poster designs and essay entries highlighting important railroad safety messages. One first-, second- and third-place winner will be selected in the poster contest for each grade along with one essay contest winner from each grade group - elementary, middle and high school. Prizes include a new iPad and cash gift cards.

In addition, winning designs will be distributed to more than 2,000 schools in Northeastern Illinois, featured in Metra's Safety Calendar, on the contest website, in station displays and on monthly tickets.

Metra will recognize the school who submits the most entries in the 2011-2012 Safety Poster Contest by awarding it a new computer compatible with its current system. Every school's entries will be totaled after the contest deadline on March 15, 2012 and a computer will be presented to the winning school.

Students, don't forget to also enter the Annual Metra Safety Essay Contest for your chance to win an iPad. Contest participants are asked to tell us in 300 words or less how you "Lead the Way" to promote safe behaviors near trains and railroad tracks.

All contest rules and information available at www.MetraContest.com