Adam Idrovo from Nutley's Good Shepherd Academy and Emily Ortiz from Newark's Lafayette Street School won the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's 2023-2024 Fourth Grade Folder Contest. This highly annual event, which attracts entries from thousands of fourth graders statewide, encourages young artists to use their creativity to advocate for healthy, drug-free lifestyles through their artwork. The winners and finalists were celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony on May 9.

The theme for this year's contest, "Fun Things to Do Instead of Drugs," sparked a wide range of imaginative artwork from students. It emphasized the importance of making positive life choices from a young age. Adam and Emily, both from Essex County, stood out among the participants for their vibrant and compelling artwork. Their pieces will now be featured on folders distributed to schools across New Jersey.

The Fourth Grade Folder Contest is a cornerstone of PDFNJ's commitment to involve young students in contemplating the advantages of a drug-free lifestyle in a fun and creative manner. This contest not only celebrates artistic talent but also provides a platform to discuss crucial health topics with children in an engaging and accessible way.

For those interested in viewing the winning artwork or learning more about the Fourth Grade Folder Contest, visit drugfreenj.org/4thgradefinalists