FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
Contact: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

[To arrange an interview with the contest winners or finalists or to request images please contact news@drugfreenj.org.]

Young Artists Shine in
 Contest Promoting Drug-Free and Healthy Lifestyles

MILLBURN, NJ — New Jersey’s artistic talent took center stage as two students from Bergenfield emerged as the co-winners of the 2022-23 Fourth Grade Folder Contest, organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. This annual statewide competition invited students to channel their talents to convey the message: "Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs"

Anabelle De Moya, a student at Franklin Elementary School, and Venpa Ramesh from Hoover Elementary School were chosen from among 3,000 entries. Their artwork graces the covers of 40,000 school folders sent to New Jersey schools at the beginning of the academic year, along with a classroom poster featuring each of the finalists' artwork.

"Anabelle and Venpa deserve recognition not only for their creativity but also for delivering healthy messages to their classmates,” said Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

He said the contest aims to actively engage students and educate them about the importance of making wise, wellness-focused choices for their future.

"Early prevention efforts are vital to instilling the importance of leading a fun, drug-free life," Valente added.

Alongside Anabelle and Venpa, other young artists earned recognition as finalists. They were honored during a virtual ceremony held in the spring.

• Nila Ahad from B.F. Gibbs Elementary School in New Milford
• Adriel Agustin from James McDivitt School in Old Bridge
• Skylar Ayars from Bee Meadow School in Whippany
• Paige Bandong from St. Matthias School in Somerset
• Chase Edwards from Hoover Elementary School in Bergenfield
• Christopher Goham from Harding Elementary School in Kenilworth
• Eliana Hein from Warren E. Sooy Jr. Elementary School in Hammonton
• Dilan Jacqueney from Harding Elementary School in Kenilworth
• Samaira Joseph from Hoover Elementary School in Bergenfield
• Jordan Lee from St. Thomas Apostle School in Old Bridge
• Evangeline Masotti from Deerfield School in Mountainside
• Donatella Mennella from Lincoln Park Elementary School in Lincoln Park
• Brandon Pham from Connecticut Farms Elementary School in Union
• Allison Park from The Wandell Elementary School in Saddle River
• Sierra Poulard from Thomas Jefferson School in Union City
• Ellison Poulard from Thomas Jefferson School in Union City
• Isla Remaly from Salem Drive School in Whippany
•  Victoria Siero from The Wandell Elementary School in Saddle River
• Ricardo Valdez from Perth Amboy Catholic School in Perth Amboy
• Shelsy Zapata from PS #25 in Jersey City

The 2023-24 Fourth Grade Folder Contest is underway and accepting entries until December 7, with the winners and finalists set to be announced later that month.

"The contest exemplifies our commitment to fostering a drug-free generation. These young artists reaffirm that prevention starts early, and their artwork becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration for other students," Valente said.

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

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Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey: Best known for its statewide substance use prevention 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 217 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.