New Jersey Students Receive Bookmarks Promoting a Drug-Free Life

As the summer break comes to an end, 40,000 fourth-grade students in New Jersey are heading back to school with a vital message about the importance of staying drug-free. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has launched an initiative that places colorful bookmarks in school books, designed to inspire positive choices among young learners.

Each bookmark showcases artwork created by students from local elementary schools, specifically Adrian Camilo from John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamesburg, and Madison Gunsch from McDivitt Elementary School in Old Bridge. Their creative designs were selected from thousands of entries in PDFNJ's annual art contest. This initiative aims to remind children of the fun and healthy activities they can engage in instead of turning to drugs.

Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ, expressed excitement about the program. He stated, "This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with students and educators at the start of a new school year. These bookmarks serve as a daily reminder of the benefits of making positive choices."

The bookmarks will be distributed across classrooms and libraries statewide, acting as a visual and motivational tool to encourage students to embrace a drug-free lifestyle. PDFNJ’s initiative emphasizes the importance of community programs aimed at prevention and education regarding substance use.

In addition to distributing bookmarks, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is widely recognized for its extensive public awareness campaigns that aim to reduce drug demand across the state. Since its inception, the PDFNJ has successfully garnered over $200 million in donated advertising space, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey history. These efforts have not gone unnoticed; the organization has received 230 awards in advertising and public relations from various media outlets.

PDFNJ's annual art contest not only provides students with a chance to showcase their talent but also instills in them the values of health, creativity, and self-expression. The selected artwork is a testament to the capability of young minds to think positively and visualize a future free from substance abuse.

For those interested in learning more about this initiative or viewing the winning designs, more information can be found at drugsfreenj.org/4thgradefinalists.

As the new school year unfolds, PDFNJ hopes to spark conversations around drug prevention at home and in classrooms, cultivating an environment where healthy choices are celebrated. The bookmarks serve as an essential tool in this mission, ensuring students have constant reminders of the alternate, positive paths available to them.

Let's cheer on our students as they take on their academic journey this fall, and let’s encourage them to embrace the wonderful life that waits for them without the influence of drugs! They are not just students but the future stewards of a healthier, substance-free New Jersey.