 Alternatives To Drinking Alcohol - Winners Announced Metlakatla Student A Winner: Best Overall Poster 5th-grade Category April 19, 2002
The poster contest paralleled
a campaign of television and radio public service announcements
(PSAs) targeting nine to fifteen year olds to think about the
consequences of drinking. The 'Cool Spot' PSAs show that it's
cool to say no to beer, wine, or liquor. The 117 students ages 6 to 16 participated in the poster contest. From Metlakatla to Anchorage to Tanana, the children created posters that capture the eye with colorful drawings and compelling messages on the dangers of drinking alcohol and positive activities that kids can do instead of drinking. Contest judges included Mrs. Knowles, Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer, and Commissioner of Health and Human Services Jay Livey. "The judges were impressed with the messages delivered by creative kids who shared with us their personal perspective on either the negative side of underage drinking or the positive side of being able to resist alcohol and engage in fun and fulfilling activities," Mrs. Knowles said. "It is obvious that even the youngest contestants were familiar with alcohol issues in their cities and villages." Categories and winners include; Best Overall Poster:
Best School Participation :
Best Anti-Drinking Poster
Best Positive Alternative to Drinking Poster
Best Group Poster
Best Individual Poster
Mrs. Knowles noted that national
statistics show children are drinking more and at younger ages
than ever before. Thirteen is the average age when kids first
drink alcohol. The long Mrs. Knowles and more than 30 other governors' spouses have joined in the fight against underage drinking, through Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free. The primary sponsors of this initiative are the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The goal of this national and statewide initiative is to raise awareness, provide access to existing resources, and promote action at all levels. Every child who participated in the Alaska poster contest will receive a certificate signed by Gov. Tony Knowles and Mrs. Knowles. Prizes will be sent to winning students and schools. The posters will be displayed along the Governor's hall, third floor of the Capitol, through Friday, May 3rd.
Source of News Release & photos:
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spots don't preach or lecture to kids,
but focus on giving them the verbal tools to turn down a drink
politely, but firmly. The spots were developed by the National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
and short-term effects of early drinking
are potentially devastating in terms of brain development, safety
and success, and future alcohol dependence.