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2008 poster contest winners

“I Use My Voice… I Have a Choice! How do I say no to drugs?” was the theme for the 2008 Poster Contest sponsored by Chautauqua Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council (CASAC). Kicking off the designation of April as “Alcohol Awareness Month”, an awards ceremony for the winners of the 2008 contest was held on April 1st at the James Prendergast Library in Jamestown. The goal of the poster contest is to bring awareness to youth and the community of the detrimental affect caused by underage drinking, and to encourage our youth to make healthy choices in their lives.

With over 400 entries, all Chautauqua County students grades 3 through 12 were eligible to compete. The contest drew entries from fourteen Chautauqua County school districts, as well as the YWCA After School Program, Project Linc, and the Eastside Family YMCA. Competition was divided into Category A- grades 3 through 5, Category B-grades 6 through 8, and Category C- grades 9 through 12. Based on the theme, the posters were judged by the following criteria: impact of the theme’s message, integration of the theme, originality, creativity and design.

Winning $100 for the Grand Prize was - Haley Hubbell, Sherman Central School

Category A, grades 3, 4 & 5

First place $50 winner - Amanda Feraldi, H.C.Fenner Elementary School
Second place $25 winner - Cassidy Richardson, Bemus Point Elementary School
Third place $20 winner - Sydney Deppas, Project Linc

Category B, grades 6, 7 & 8

First place $50 winner - Laureen Cummings, Chautauqua Lake Central School
Second place $25 winner - Jane Wiggers, Chautauqua Lake Central School
Third place $20 winner - Taylor Kochanowski, Sherman Central School

Category C, grades 9, 10, 11 & 12

First place $50 winner - Katie Turnquist, Panama Central School
Second place $25 winner - Chelsea Card, Panama Central School
Third place $20 winner - Jesica Bauer, Sherman Central School

And three Honorary Mention awards went to

Griffin Noon, Project Linc
Hannah McDonald, Clymer Central School
John Luden, Sherman Central School

Following the award ceremony, the posters designed by students from southern Chautauqua County will be divided for display between the James Prendergast Library and along the walking track of the HSBC Ice Arena. The posters designed by students from northern Chautauqua County will be displayed at the Darwin R. Barker Library in Fredonia.

Since 1987, in order to bring awareness to the problems caused by alcohol, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., which CASAC is an affiliate, has sponsored “Alcohol Awareness Month” during the month of April. Though alcohol remains the number one drug problem, alcohol is often overlooked in the nation’s efforts to prevent the use of tobacco and illicit drugs. Results from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) administered 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings show that about 10.8 million persons aged 12 to 20 (28.3 percent of this age group) reported drinking alcohol in the past month. Approximately 7.2 million (19.0 percent) were binge drinkers, and 2.4 million (6.2 percent) were heavy drinkers. Studies also prove that the earlier a person uses alcohol, they are at a much higher risk for substance abuse problems as they get older. Therefore, it is vital that the message to prevent underage drinking gets stronger with support from the community.

For over 30 years, CASAC has provided education, prevention and intervention services for problems related to alcohol, other drugs, gambling abuse and addiction. The goals of CASAC remain threefold. 1. Prevent use of any illegal drugs by all individuals. 2. Prevent ANY alcohol and other drug use by anyone under the age of 21. and 3. Delay the age of first-use as long as possible, emphasizing gateway drugs.

As defined by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, prevention is a proactive, research-based process that focuses on increasing protective factors and decreasing risk factors. CASAC’s approach to prevention utilizes science tested and effective comprehensive strategies which include information dissemination, education, positive alternatives, community mobilization, early intervention, and social policy and environmental change. While CASAC plays a supportive role within the community, the responsibility for making decisions and moving towards a healthy lifestyle rests with the individual.

CASAC would like to acknowledge the Charles Bradley Carlson Memorial Fund administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for their support of the 2008 CASAC Poster Contest. Appreciation is also expressed to the James Prendergast Library, the HSBC Ice Arena, the Darwin R. Barker Library in Fredonia, and Gary’s Trophy House.

For anyone struggling with a substance abuse problem, either for themselves or someone they know, they are encouraged to call CASAC offices: 664-3608, Jamestown or 366-4623, Dunkirk.