The artwork of 30 finalists was on display at the Verizon New Jersey headquarters in Newark during a ceremony honoring finalists for the 13th annual Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest. The theme of the contest was “Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs.”
The two grand prize winners were Malk Aziz of Christa McAuliffe School P.S. No. 28 in Jersey City, and Kennedy Christiana of All Saints Catholic Academy in Bayonne. Their peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention artwork will be featured on 35,000 folders that will be distributed to schools throughout the state in September.
“These fourth graders from around the state are setting tremendous examples for others to follow,” said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey. “With their creativity and enthusiasm, they are to be commended for delivering compelling messages through their artwork to other students about enjoying a healthy life without drugs. Thanks to the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, this contest helps children and teens understand that there are alternatives to drugs that are fun and rewarding.”
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, added, “The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey has consistently believed that early prevention programs, like the Fourth Grade Folder Contest, are effective ways to actively engage New Jersey’s young people in selecting and maintaining a drug free, healthy lifestyle.”
Hudson County students featured at Prevention Artwork premiere
