Student Finalists in Statewide Drug Prevention Folder Artwork Contest Recognized at Award Ceremony

5/3/2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2017

Contact: Matt Birchenough, Media Coordinator 201-916-1032, media@drugfreenj.org

 

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente, left, and Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey, right, recognize the grand prize winners of the Fourth Grade Folder Contest, Justin Ferrera of St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson and Jasiel Amigon of St. Joseph School in Carteret.

Student Finalists in Statewide Drug Prevention Folder Artwork Contest Recognized at Award Ceremony in Middlesex County

SAYREVILLE, N.J. — More than 6,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Fourth Grade Folder contest, but just 30 earned their way to the award ceremony held May 3rd at the Middlesex County Fire Academy.

All 30 student finalists received medals for their creative peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention artwork with the theme, “Fun Things to Do Instead Of Doing Drugs.”

Jasiel Amigon of St. Joseph School in Carteret, Middlesex County and Justin Ferreras of St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson, Passaic County were named the overall winners of the contest. Jasiel’s dessert-inspired message, “Layer Your Life with All That Is Good,” and Justin’s creative design, “Get Away from Drugs and Have Fun,” will be featured on 40,000 folders that will be distributed to schools throughout New Jersey in September 2017.

“These young students from around the state are setting tremendous examples for others to follow,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free 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. Their artwork will help other children and teens understand that there are alternatives to drugs that are fun and rewarding.

“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,” Valente added.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey honored 30 finalists from throughout the state for their artistic efforts in the Fourth Grade Folder Contest at an award ceremony held May 3 in Sayreville.

 

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente congratulates Fourth Grade Folder Contest grand prize winners Jasiel Amigon and Justin Ferreras. 

###