HARRISBURG – At a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board yesterday recognized more than 40 K-12 students who addressed the dangers of underage drinking by participating in the PLCB’s 21st annual Alcohol Education Poster Contest.
“Alcohol is the most widely used drug among teenagers, so it is critically important to talk to children early in life about the dangers associated with drinking alcohol before the age of 21,” said Joseph E. Brion , PLCB chairman. “The poster contest is intended to give parents and teachers the opportunity to start that important discussion to provide children the information they need to make a better choice when determining how they spend their free time.”
More than 600 students from 30 counties across the commonwealth participated in this year’s contest. Those students represent nearly 40 different school districts, both public and private. Their entries were judged on presentation and message. In the winning poster designs, students used wordplay such as “BE A-MAZE-ING, UNDERAGE DRINKING IS ALWAYS A DEAD END” with a picture of a maze; “BEING ALCOHOL FREE… IT’S YOUR CALL” with a picture of cell phones; and depicted healthier activities, such as playing music or sports.
“We are always encouraged by the response we get from these young artists and the creativity they display in their work,” added Board Member Robert S. Marcus. “By participating in this program, the students are making a clear statement regarding the ramifications of underage drinking and promoting healthier choices in a way that their peers can understand, making their art an effective prevention tool.”
The PLCB will use the student designs to create posters, bookmarks and coloring sheets to share with students throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, the grade winners will have their artwork reproduced in a calendar that will be distributed as well. For their efforts, students who created the winning entries will receive cash prizes.
The winning posters will be displayed in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg from April 15th through April 19th.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the annual Alcohol Education Poster Contest, visitwww.lcb.state.pa.us.