Even youngsters find ways to save on gas

A 13-year-old Scottsville boy has fattened his wallet by suggesting that grownups fatten their tires.

Forest Thomsen-Diggs, 13, of Scottsville, won first prize in a “Tell Us What You Think” contest asking students to come up with creative ways to save money on gas. Each student had to sum up their response in an essay of 150 words or fewer.

Thomsen-Diggs suggested inflating tires as much as possible, carpooling, driving slower, biking and braking slowly. He received $50 in cash and a $25 fuel card.

Seth Winkler, 12, from Orange County, won second. Winkler suggested that people use electric cars, fill their cars with gasoline made from corn instead of oil, find a job close to home and cut down on vacations and local trips. Winkler won a $25 fuel card and a $25 gift card to Charlottesville Fashion Square mall.

Third place went to Shaquan Stinnie, 12, of Charlottesville. Stinnie suggested that people pay their bills online, create a driving plan, walk, ride the bus, drive more slowly and have lunch in their offices. She won $20 gift card to Food Lion and products with the “Just Think” logo.

The winners were honored at a reception Aug. 14. The contest was created by Charles Alexander, also known as Alex-Zan, an educator, “info-tainer” and Charlottesville native.

“My objective is to provide a creative thinking and writing forum for children and youth to express their thoughts and ideas about today’s relevant issues,” Alexander has said.