“Your future isn’t something you wait for, but something you can build right now.”

That was the message students across Sullivan County received last Friday afternoon as winners of the Catholic Charities Poster Contest were recognized during the 31st Annual Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Drug Prevention Poster Contest awards ceremony, held in the Legislative Hearing Room at the Sullivan County Government Center.

Bringing together students, families, educators, and community members, the event celebrated artwork promoting substance-free lifestyles, positive decision-making, and self expression.

This year’s theme, “Life’s a Canvas, Paint It With Your Dreams When Choosing to Be Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Drug Free,” encouraged students to reflect on how present-day choices can shape their futures. The submitted posters highlighted messages centered on avoiding substance use while embracing wellness and individuality.

L.A. Branch, Project Coordinator for Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster, praised both the creativity and participation seen in this year’s contest, which drew roughly 200 student submissions from school districts across the county.

“The creativity that the students put into these posters is inspiring,” Branch said. “These students represent the future, and the choices they make now matter.”

The contest featured three grade categories: elementary (kindergarten through fourth grade), middle school (grades five through eight), and high school (grades nine through 12). Students in each group were recognized with honorable mentions as well as first-, second-, and third-place awards.

Two grand prize winners were also selected: an English-language poster by Fallsburg Central School District freshman Artemis Irby, and a Spanish-language poster by Eldred Central School District senior Khloe Parker. Both designs will be professionally printed and distributed throughout Sullivan County as part of ongoing prevention efforts.

Speakers conveyed a broader message echoed throughout the ceremony focused on addressing substance use early while empowering young people to make informed, healthy choices.

April was formally recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month through a proclamation from the Sullivan County Legislature, citing research on the risks of underage drinking, including its impact on brain development and its link to leading causes of injury and death among youth.

Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz, who read the proclamation, reinforced the theme’s message.

“Life is a canvas—you can paint it any way you want,” Rajsz said. “Make it as colorful as you want and stay on a positive path.”

Additional remarks were delivered by representatives from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the office of Congressman Josh Riley.

Field Representative Eric Ball noted the longevity of the contest, now in its 31st year, and emphasized its role in amplifying youth voices and raising awareness.

“The winning posters will serve as inspiring reminders to us all,” Ball said. “Never be afraid to follow your dreams.”

Director of Prevention Services Dawn Wilkin echoed that sentiment, encouraging students to recognize their influence.

“You can make your life exceptional, and you can have your dreams,” Wilkin said. “Substances like alcohol or cannabis do not have to get in your way. You have the power to make that choice.”

Organizers also recognized the support of teachers, families, sponsors, and community partners who contributed to the event’s success, along with the volunteers and judges who helped bring the contest together.

With dozens of entries displayed throughout the room, officials emphasized the contest’s broader role—not just as a celebration of art, but as a tool for sparking conversations around prevention and healthy living across Sullivan County.

Attendees were encouraged to take copies of the grand prize posters, which will be distributed countywide as part of continued alcohol and drug prevention outreach.