SCHUYLKILL HAVEN – Attorney General Tom Corbett unveiled a billboard honoring a Schuylkill Haven student whose anti-drug poster was chosen as the grand prize winner in the 2007 “Drug-Free” Calendar Contest.
The billboard is a reproduction of the anti-drug poster created by Brandon Fique, a fifth grader from Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School. As the grand prize winner, Fique’s artwork appeared on the cover of the Attorney General’s 2007 “Drug-Free” Calendar. Twelve other student drawings were selected to represent each month of the year.
“This year, winning drawings were chosen from a record field of nearly 700 semi-finalists from schools throughout 50 Pennsylvania counties,” Corbett said during a ceremony marking the unveiling at the school. “Out of such a competitive field of poignant anti-drug posters, Brandon’s exceptional artwork and message of the best nation being a drug free nation stood out to the judges.”
Brandon Fique’s winning drawing depicts a serene neighborhood setting of three homes with a rainbow and sun next to the caption “A Drug Free Nation, Is the Best Nation.”
The annual “Drug-Free” Calendar Contest was created to spread an anti-drug and alcohol message to students in their own words and in an entertaining manner. Winners are chosen based on the artists’ creativity, originality, and ability to illustrate and convey a drug-free message.
The nearly 11-by-23 foot billboard is located approximately six miles from the school on Route 61 in Schuylkill. The billboard will remain at the site for one month.
Corbett said, “The goal is to expose as many people as possible to Brandon’s message and encourage a dialogue about the importance of living your life drug-free.”
This was the 10th year for the Attorney General’s statewide calendar contest. Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School has consistently participated in the contest and students from the school have won in several previous years, but never for the cover.
“The only way to succeed is to be drug free,” Corbett said. “Health and legal consequences of substance abuse are far more serious than you may think. Drug and alcohol abuse will eventually rob you of your freedom, your friends, your family and most important – your life.”
Joining Corbett at the unveiling ceremony were Brandon’s family, classmates, teachers, school staff, Schuylkill Area Middle School Principal, Mrs. Linda Berdanier, and State Rep. Tim Seip.