Newark Student Finalist in Drug-Free New Jersey Art Contest

Over 8,000 fourth grade students from across New Jersey participated in the 14th-annual Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey/Verizon New Jersey Design a Fourth Grade Folder Contest.  On Wednesday, April 24, 30 fourth grade students were recognized for their creative peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention artwork with the theme, “Fun Things To Do Instead Of Doing Drugs.” 

Rayssa Rezende, a fourth grade student attending Ann Street School, was one of the 30 statewide finalists honored for her outstanding artwork at an awards ceremony held at the Newark Museum.

The 2013 grand prize winning entries are Madelyn Weinstein of Woodrow Wilson School in Neptune City and Joseph DiSpirito of Saint Leo the Great School in Lincroft. Weinstein’s and DiSpirito’s peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention artwork will be featured on 35,000 folders that will be distributed to schools throughout New Jersey in September.

“These young students from around the state are setting tremendous examples for others to follow,” said Angelo M. Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “With their creativity and enthusiasm, they are to be commended for delivering compelling messages through their artwork to other students about enjoying a healthy life without drugs. Their artwork will help other children and teens understand that there are alternatives to drugs that are fun and rewarding.”