Shapiro Announces Calendar Contest

The opioid epidemic continues to plague the state of Pennsylvania, with countless lives lost to the devastating effects of substance abuse. In an effort to combat this crisis, Attorney General Josh Shapiro has announced the winners of the 24th Annual Drug-Free Calendar Contest.

The contest, which is open to fifth-grade students throughout the commonwealth, aims to educate young people about the dangers of drug use and the benefits of being drug-free. This year, 13 students were selected to have their artwork featured in the 2021 calendar, which will be circulated throughout the state to spread the message of substance abuse prevention.

According to Attorney General Shapiro, the calendar contest is an important tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic. "Our annual calendar contest is about students empowering other young people to make smart choices," he said. "Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, my office has never let our focus drop from the struggles and lives the opioid epidemic steals from our Commonwealth each year."

The winning entries were chosen based on their creativity and ability to convey a drug-free message. Each of the 13 students will receive a certificate and a $529 contribution to their Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, which is supervised by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Treasurer Torsella praised the program, saying, "Every child in Pennsylvania deserves a bright future, and deserves to be free from weights like the opioid crisis and the student debt crisis."

The calendar contest is funded through the Community Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, which is supported by fines and penalties collected from certain offenses, such as driving under the influence. The following students were named 2021 Drug-Free Calendar Contest winners: Filippa Zwirschitz, Keira Assalone, Braden Venuto, Jeffery Ickes, Reagan Stallman, Isabella Glover, Amélie Staron, Aubrey Wadsworth, Nathaniel Mohney, John Cunnane, Mary Solga, Sage Mahan, and Cheyan Bashjian.

The Office of Attorney General offers educational programs to help schools and parents empower children with knowledge to keep them safe. Due to the pandemic, these programs have been migrated to a virtual format, covering topics such as internet safety, drug abuse prevention, and bullying. By working together, we can help combat the opioid epidemic and ensure a brighter future for the young people of Pennsylvania.

As the state continues to grapple with the devastating effects of substance abuse, initiatives like the Drug-Free Calendar Contest serve as a reminder of the importance of education and prevention. By empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make smart choices, we can help build a safer, healthier community for all Pennsylvanians.

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