Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster celebrated the 30th Annual Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Drug Prevention Poster Contest with an awards ceremony on Friday, April 25, at the Sullivan County Government Center. 

The event brought together students, families, teachers, and community members to honor youth creativity while promoting substance use prevention.

“This is one of my favorite events. I am so proud of our team [at Catholic Charities],” CEO Shannon Kelly told attendees. “I am so pleased that we have so many public officials here in the room with us. I am grateful to you all. You are obviously sending the right message through your chivalry. To all of our artists, artists who come here with a heart and artists who are going to be leaders in their communities as they grow older, we are so happy you are here.”

This year’s contest theme, “I’m the Real Me When Choosing to Be Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Drug Free,” encouraged students to use art as a way to share positive messages about living substance-free lives. For the first time, kindergarten students from all eight Sullivan County school districts were invited to participate.

Awards were presented in three grade categories — elementary (grades K-4), middle school (grades 5-8), and high school (grades 9-12) — with grand prize winners selected in both English and Spanish. The winning posters will be professionally printed and distributed throughout Sullivan County.

Allison Vasco from Liberty High School earned the English-language grand prize, while Dayana Madrid from Fallsburg Senior High School captured the Spanish-language grand prize. Kindergarten student Lyric J. Mac, age five, also received special recognition. Each grand prize winner was awarded $250.

Catholic Charities Prevention Program Coordinator L.A. Branch highlighted the creativity and thoughtfulness behind the students’ work, noting the inspiring ways youth chose to promote healthy living. Dawn Wilkin, Director of Prevention Services, emphasized the importance of using peer-driven creative mediums to help young people understand the risks of alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and drug use.

“I want to say congratulations to all of your [contest winners’] efforts. Many of you have shared your insight and impact in making a decision to be alcohol, drug and tobbaco free,” stated Village of Monticello Mayor Rochelle Massey. “You young people represent the future and the future holds so many possibilities. Yet those possibilities depend on the choices you make now. By making informed decisions that keep you healthy and clear-headed, you are giving yourself the best chance to reach your goals and create the life you want.”

Catholic Charities Prevention Services operates in Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties, reaching over 15,000 individuals last year through education, outreach, and training, including naloxone (Narcan) administration and safe medication disposal programs.