KINGSTON — Aqua Express officials want to make sure that nothing is spared for passengers traveling on their new fast ferry run from Kingston to Seattle.

Not even the life vest-wearing mascot.

For students in North Kitsap’s junior high and elementary schools, the newly-created transit company is offering $2,000 cash for the best-dressed mascot that can be aboard its Kingston-Seattle run at select times.

The $2,000 reward for the contest winner will be divided in half — $1,000 to the student’s classroom and $1,000 to his or her school at large. And for the student, the only criterion in picking a mascot costume is that a life jacket must be worn at all times.

“We’re totally leaving this in the kids’ hands,” said Brian Grantham, General Manager of Aqua Express.

Grantham said the rationale behind selecting the mascot in local schools is to help the company get more involved with the community.

“Aqua Express definitely wants to be a part of community and it’s important for us to reach out to the community,” he said. “To give money to schools and to all facets of the community, and not just to commuters.”

Entry forms are due to Grantham by Dec. 17 and an Aqua Express panel will select the winner. Grantham said he encourages all students and their teachers who are interested in the program to apply for the contest.

Aqua Express’ Kingston-Seattle ferry service is slated to begin in late December.