Trenton
– The Division of Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC), in conjunction with the Partnership
for a Drug-Free New Jersey, today announced
the winners in an innovative calendar/billboard
design contest that helps middle school
students learn about the dangers of underage
drinking.
The program was designed to encourage middle
school students to work with their parents
on creating billboard messages that depict
the dangers of underage alcohol use by young
people. Funded through federal grant money
awarded to the Partnership for a Drug-Free
New Jersey by the ABC, this year’s
program produced 1,650 entries representing
38 schools and districts from throughout
the State. Thirteen winning messages were
selected from these submissions and will
be featured on a calendar to be distributed
to middle schools this Fall. One message
will be featured each month, and the grand
prize winning message will be displayed
on the calendar’s front cover. Additionally,
the grand prize winning message, unveiled
at today’s press conference, will
be reproduced on highway billboards at locations
around the State. The grand prize winner
also received a $500 savings bond.
According to ABC Director Jerry Fischer,
the program is a critical tool in helping
the State combat underage drinking.
“We
must encourage parents to talk with their
children at the earliest age possible about
the dangers of underage drinking,”
Director Fischer said. “Parents have
the greatest impact on helping their children
make positive choices in their life. This
program encourages a dialogue about those
choices and provides a forum for families
to talk about the dangerous consequences
that can come from underage alcohol use.”
“The
Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is
very proud that thousands of middle school
students and their families have participated
in this initiative to bring focus and awareness
to the serious issues and dangers related
to underage drinking,” said Partnership
Chairman Joseph P. Miele.
Grand
Prize Winner:
- Gisela
Borrageiros, Keansburg, Monmouth
County.
Finalists:
- Genesis
DeJeseus, Perth Amboy, Middlesex
County;
- Ericka
Smith, Newton, Sussex County;
- Tara
Murphy, Locust, Monmouth County;
- Melissa
Amorim, Elizabeth, Union County;
- Elizabeth
Perry, Cookstown, Burlington County;
-
Jonathan Vargas, Perth Amboy, Middlesex
County;
- Megan
Kelsey Sirak, New Egypt, Ocean County;
- Alexis
Giannattasio, Lebanon, Hunterdon
County;
- Emily
Mitchell, Blackwood, Camden County;
- Veronica
Lopez, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County;
- Alisha
Mays, Wrightstown, Burlington County;
and,
- Edward
Molina, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County
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