Two teenagers with a knack for words and pictures have won themselves return flights to the United States thanks to a competition organised by the US Consulate.

The contest asked youngsters to come up with a catchy slogan or eye-catching artwork to press home the message that the only way to stay off the stop list barring entry to America is by staying on the right side of the law.

William Broughton, 14, of Somersfield Academy, won the slogan competition with the phrase: “Be Cool. Don’t be a fool. Follow the rules! Stay off the stop list!” His message was set on a field of red and blue stars and stripes.

Mica Murray, 16, from the Berkeley Institute, won the art contest. Her design featured arms, fists clenched, draped in chains and superimposed on a map and flag of Bermuda. Her caption read: “Don’t get chained to the ROCK. Stay off the stop list.”

US Consul General Gregory Slayton and Bermuda football star Shaun Goater awarded framed certificates and prizes to the winners at the July 4 celebrations. William won two round trip tickets to New York and Mica two tickets to Washington, courtesy of Jet Blue.

Mr. Slayton said: “This competition was designed to make young people think about the lifelong consequences of illegal behaviour.

“The United States is Bermuda’s closest neighbour and it’s unfortunate when a young person is denied access because he has a record. Hopefully, this contest will change some lives.”

The first place entries were made into banners that will be used by the consulate and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to reinforce an ongoing “Stay off the Stop List” campaign targeted at local schoolchildren.

Runners-up for the art contest were Clintel Jones and Natalie Stapff, also from the Berkeley Institute. Matthew Sinclair, from Mount Saint Agnes, and Rowan Border, from Saltus, were the slogan runners-up.