Fifteen students from various Delaware County schools were recognized for creating powerful anti-drug and anti-tobacco messages that will be displayed on prevention calendars.

Delaware County Councilman Dave White announced the winners in the 29th annual Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Awareness Poster Contest. More than 650 posters were received from students in 25 different schools this year.

The contest is funded by County Council through the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol, and coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. The winning posters will be featured in the 2018 Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Awareness Calendar.

“Young people today are faced with many challenges. However, very few have the potential to affect their lives in a more significant way than the decisions they make about alcohol, tobacco, and drugs,” Councilman White said. “Choices about alcohol and drugs influence a student’s health, grades, relationship, and future hopes for college and a career.”

Experts agree that education and prevention programs at an early age help young people make better choices.

“This morning, we honor children who participated in one prevention program that involves hundreds of students who create awareness posters that warn of the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use,” Councilman White said. “Every year, we are impressed by the wonderful messages that these students create to educate their fellow students, friends, and family.”

Councilman White was joined in the presentation by Elizabeth Naughton-Beck, Chair of the Delaware County Drug & Alcohol Planning Council. Also attending were Anne Jennings, D&A Administrator, OBH, Laura Fidorowicz, D&A Prevention Program Specialist, and Bridget Marley, Prevention Specialist I, Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems.

Students winners in their categories are:

K-2

• Alyssa Bruton (1st)
• Angelena Graybeal (2nd)
• Meadow Fisher (3rd)
• Kayla Tidwell (4th)

3-5

• Sebastian Graham (1st)
• Reihinna Harris (2nd)
• Jaclyn Cwiertniewicz (3rd)
• Ava Elliot (4th)

6-8

• Alicia Chipolla (1st)
• Gabby Youngers (2nd)
• Caroline Wood (3rd)
• Kayleigh Saboja (4th)

Also, Allison Deaton won Best Art, Giovanna Scuderi won Best Message, and Madelyn Kieh won Best Overall.