FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2024

Contact: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

(to arrange an interview with the winners or to request images please contact news@drugfreenj.org)

Essex County Students Emerge as Champions in Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Fourth Grade Folder Contest

MILLBURN, NJ— Adam Idrovo from Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley and Emily Ortiz from Lafayette Street School in Newark emerged as winners of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) 2023-2024 Fourth Grade Folder Contest. Drawing entries from thousands of fourth graders throughout the state, the competition celebrated young students' creativity in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles through their artwork. The winners and the other finalists were honored at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 9.

(tap image to enlarge)

This contest theme, "Fun Things to Do Instead of Drugs," inspired an imaginative array of artwork, underscoring the significance of making positive life choices at a young age. Adam and Emily, both from Essex County, stood out for their creativity and messaging, which resonated strongly with the contest judges. Their artwork will be featured on folders distributed throughout schools statewide.

"Adam and Emily's artwork shows they understand the importance of living a drug-free life," said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ. “Adam and Emily are not only great artists but also helpers and leaders, inspiring other kids to be healthy and happy."

For more information about the Fourth Grade Folder Contest, visit drugfreenj.org/4thgradefinalists

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Best known for its statewide anti-drug advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception the Partnership has garnered 226 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.