Winner of the 2011 “Dangers of Underage Drinking” Billboard/Calendar Competition Announced

 Melissa Gonzalez (center), a fifth grade student attending Perth Amboy Catholic School is the winner of the 2011 “Dangers of Underage Drinking” Billboard/Calendar Competition, sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Office of the Attorney General and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).  Middle school students throughout the Garden State were asked to draw images based on the theme “Dangers of Underage Drinking: How the use of Alcohol Affects Middle School Students.”  With thousands of submissions received, 13 statewide finalists’ artwork was chosen and will be featured in the 2012 Dangers of Underage Drinking calendar. Out of the 13 statewide finalists’ artwork, Melissa’s artwork was chosen to be displayed on billboards throughout the state and on the cover of the calendar. In addition to her grand prize, Melissa’s artwork can be found on four billboards across Perth Amboy. She is pictured proudly, beneath her winning message located at the Perth Amboy train station with Sr. Rebecca Piatek, Perth Amboy Catholic School Principal; Mr. Zach Hosseini, Public Information Officer with the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control; Jose and Mayra Gonzalez, Melissa’s parents; Michelle Vernuccio, Media Coordinator, PDFNJ and Rose Pennyfeather, Perth Amboy Catholic School Art Teacher.