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NOVINGER, MO -- Northeast Missouri schools participated in the battle of the belt challenge.

The challenge was a competition to raise seat belt use among teens.

The Adair County R-1 High School, in Novinger won the Northeast Regional Award for the most improved seat belt use. The two seat belt checks were unannounced and a surprise to students.

Penny Copelin, principal of Adair County R-1 Schools tells us it was a great challenge.

"We did it for awareness. I wasn't expecting awards. American Family will be giving us $500 to help promote the program," Copelin said. "So it was kind of eye opening, and like I told the students, if I have to stand out there and that's what it's going to take for them to put their seat belts on, it's well worth it to save their lives.

Students at the Novinger high school increased their seat belt use from 38-percent to 97-percent.

Principal Copelin said she teamed up with the elementary student council to count the car and students wearing seat belts.

Six other Northeast Missouri schools will receive statewide recognition for seat belt use.