MONTICELLO – Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster hosted its 30th annual Sullivan County Youth Substance Use Prevention Poster Contest Awards Ceremony at the Sullivan County Government Center last week. The annual county-wide contest promotes an important message of youth substance use prevention while recognizing the artistic and creative talents of Sullivan County students.

Nadia Rajsz, Chair of the Sullivan County Legislature, welcomed guests to the government center on behalf of the legislature and read a legislative proclamation in recognition of April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Eric Ball, representing Congressman Josh Riley’s office, presented certificates of commendation to each of the winners, and Monticello Mayor Rochelle Massey congratulated the winners and applauded their efforts to educate their peers and community about prevention.

The theme for the 30th annual contest was “I’m the real me when choosing to be alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and drug free.” Students from all Sullivan County school districts were invited to submit original artwork illustrating their interpretation of the theme in English or Spanish. The contest awarded prizes for elementary, middle, and high school submissions. Grand prizes were awarded for English and Spanish language posters.

Allison Vasko, a 10th grade student from Liberty High School, won the grand prize for her English language poster. Dayana Murillo Madrid, a 10th grade student from Fallsburg Junior Senior High School, was the grand prize winner in the Spanish language category. Each winner received a $250 cash prize, and their winning posters have been professionally printed for distribution to schools, businesses, and other organizations throughout Sullivan County for public display. Lyric Mack, a kindergarten student from Monticello Central School District, received an honorable mention award in recognition of the first year that the contest has been extended to include kindergarten students. 

Speaking to the attendees in both English and Spanish, Catholic Charities CEO, Shannon Kelly, thanked the parents and teachers for encouraging participation in the contest and supporting the agency’s work to prevent youth substance use, and congratulated the student artists for their creative contributions in support of the theme.

L.A. Branch, Catholic Charities Sullivan County Prevention Program Coordinator, served as emcee for the awards ceremony. “The students’ expression of the theme helps to communicate the message of prevention in a meaningful way that’s more impactful when it’s shared peer to peer,” said Branch. “We’re grateful for the support from the schools and teachers who understand the value of this messaging and get behind the contest year after year.” 

In addition to the grand prizes, first, second, and third prizes were awarded, and honorable mentions were recognized. The posters were judged by a team of community volunteers.

The following students also received awards:

Grades 1-4

1st place – Pearl Gold, grade 4, Benjamin Cosor Elementary School

2nd place – Aubree Van Wolde, grade 3 - Benjamin Cosor Elementary School

3rd place – Ryan Patnode, grade 3 – Benjamin Cosor Elementary School

Grades 5-8

1st place – Alex Reyes, grade 8 - Liberty Middle School

2nd place – Casity DiBartolo, grade 8– Liberty Middle School

3rd place – Claire Ferguson, grade 7- Liberty Middle School

Grades 9-12

1st place – Adryana Kozachuk, grade 9 – Fallsburg High School 

2nd place – Tatiana Parada, grade 9 – Fallsburg High School

3rd place – Danielle Kagan, grade 11 – Liberty High School

A total of $1,325 in cash prizes were awarded to the winners.

“Catholic Charities prevention and education programs focus on providing young people with the life skills and information they need to cope with peer pressure, bullying, and other issues that have an influence on students in today’s world,” said Ms. Branch. “The message communicated through these posters makes a positive difference in the lives of our young people, the residents of Sullivan County, and the well-being of our community,” added Ms. Branch. “Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, the awards ceremony is a great experience for the participants and rewards them for their contributions.”

Catholic Charities Prevention Services provides programs in Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties and works with many school districts to provide a variety of programs. Planning for the annual poster contest begins after the start of school each fall. To learn more, or to get involved, contact LA Branch at 845-794-8080 x2530 /LA.Branch@cccsos.org. All Sullivan County school districts and students in grades K – 12 are invited to participate.