#United States #Millburn #Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey #student creativity #drug prevention

Celebrating Creativity Against Substance Use: The 2025 Contest

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) has recently unveiled the finalists for its much-anticipated 2025 Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs contest. This initiative encourages budding artists in the state to explore their creativity while delivering powerful, positive messages against drug use.

Recognizing Young Talent

As part of this contest, PDFNJ has received an impressive total of 2,157 entries from students across all 21 counties in New Jersey. The finalists were meticulously selected, showcasing the artistic talents and insightful ideas of young New Jerseyans. Each piece not only reflects creativity but also embodies an essential message that resonates with their peers about making healthy choices over drug use.

Angelo M. Valente, the Executive Director of PDFNJ, emphasized the significance of the creativity displayed by these students, stating, "The creativity of these young artists offers not only inspiration but a real pathway to change". The grand prize of the competition is particularly exciting, as the winning artwork will be featured on bookmarks distributed statewide, ensuring that the message reaches a wide audience.

Finalists from Various Counties

Here are some of the talented finalists recognized by PDFNJ:

Bergen County

• - Taylor del Corral – E.A. Bogert School, Upper Saddle River
• - Arianna Dy – B.F. Gibbs Elementary School, New Milford
• - Genevieve Watson – Queen of Peace Grammar School, North Arlington

Camden County

• - Emilia Canfield – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional School, Berlin
• - Willow Coluzzi – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional School, Berlin

Essex County

• - Shane Brewer – F.N. Brown Elementary School, Verona
• - Maicol Gomez – Salome Urena Elementary, Newark
• - Lisandra Lugo – Roberto Clemente School, Newark
• - Jordin Quishpi – Roberto Clemente School, Newark

Middlesex County

• - Lorryz Adamos – Southwood Elementary School, Old Bridge
• - Vanessa Benitez-Cruz – McDivitt Elementary, Old Bridge

(and many more finalists from various schools in this county)

Monmouth County

• - Sharon Chen – Manasquan Elementary School, Manasquan
• - Bridget Lohnes – Manasquan Elementary School, Manasquan

Morris County

• - Liam Nazzaro – Lincoln Park Elementary School, Lincoln Park

Ocean County

• - Evan Marti – Long Beach Island School District, Ship Bottom

Passaic County

• - Arabella Edwards-Amodeo – Clifton Public School #5, Clifton
• - Vanessa Ortiz – St. Gerard Majella School, Paterson

Salem County

• - Brienna Chafin – Mannington Twp. School, Mannington
• - Ada Keller – Mannington Twp. School, Mannington

Somerset County

• - Lilenna Alexis – St. Matthias School, Somerset
• - Isaac Osho – St. Matthias School, Somerset

Ceremony and Awards

The finalists will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 6. This event will not only recognize the young artists but also inspire other students to engage in creative pursuits that foster healthy choices.

For further information regarding the contest and its finalists, visit drugfreenj.org/4thgradefinalists.

About the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

Known for its extensive outreach and prevention campaigns, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is an influential coalition aimed at reducing drug use through education and media communication. Since its establishment, the organization has garnered over $200 million in donated advertising, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in state history. With a focus on spreading awareness and inspiring change, the Partnership continues to lead efforts in substance use prevention across New Jersey.