Santiago Romero, a senior at Springbrook has won the H&M Design T-shirt contest with his genius slogan “Success is my addiction.”

On Thursday, April 10, seniors filed into the auditorium to applaud and congratulate their classmate. This is a significant accomplishment in the Springbrook community, as no individual has ever won this accomplishment in the school’s history. As students rushed into the auditorium, they were each given one of Santiago’s shirts.  Santiago nervously waited at the front of the auditorium.

“It is unimaginable! Like a dream really, I am honored to have won this. I tried my hardest to make the slogan up. It was honestly a great experience,” reflected Romero.

Romero beat out 86,000 other contenders. The winning entry needed to be powerful and motivating, something that people would buy and wear.

The third place winner was “Who needs synthetic happiness”. The foundation thought that it was  a good idea, but not exactly what they wanted to “stand on”.

The second place winner was “I am smoking hot. Not smoking pot”, an idea that was loved by many but shed too much light on the idea that needed to be put across. In a list of many, Santiago’s slogan appeared on the top of H&M’s list as the most motivational and what most represented. Remaining completely drug free.

After Romero’s slogan was approved, the company took about a week to produce a design for the shirt.

On January 30, the campaign was launched and the t-shirts could be purchased in stores. 20% profit of sales will be given to Mentor Foundation USA’s programs.

Since then, the company has sold 99% percent of the supply of womens shirts, and 68% of the supply of mens shirts.Romero later spoke to his fellow students and faculty members. During this time, students were thrilled to see him appear on stage. As he took the podium, the crowd shrieked with excitement.

Romero explained that he at first did not want to participate in the contest, and that Mrs.Nelson his business teacher was a huge push towards his award winning slogan.

After thanking his peers, supporters, and contributors, Romero proceeded to explain why success is his addiction.

“I know that each and every one of you wants to be successful. I know that everyone wants to have a successful life. Just get motivated to follow your dreams and go the great lengths to accomplish those dreams. Each and every one of you can accomplish those dreams,” Romero said.