In an effort to encourage youth to stay away from harmful drugs like tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use, Community Action for Capable Youth (CACY) participated in a national initiative sponsored by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids on Wednesday afternoon. Youth from all over the county submitted artwork depicting drug-free ideas.
The art show was held at the Longview Center in Mansfield from 4-6 p.m. The event featured 84 works from a range of students in the third grad through seniors in high school.
According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, $8.8 billion is spent in marketing by tobacco companies around the nation. Upwards to $394.7 million is spent in Ohio alone. Research indicates that one-third of underage experimentation is attributable to this marketing.
In 2011, the Richland County Community Health Assessment identified 10 percent of Richland County youth ages 12-17 as smokers. This number increases to 20 percent for youth aged 17-18. Additionally, 27 percent of all Richland County youth reported having tried smoking in their lifetime. Further data indicates that 44 percent of youth in Richland County are exposed to second-hand smoke on a daily basis.
Judges for the event Tammy Wurthmann from Richland County Common Pleas Court, Reed Richmond from Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department, Mary Cooper and Judy Francl of the Mansfield Art Center, and Alayna Anderson from Ashland University. The panel awarded gift certificates to the top three works in each grade level.
Winners:
3rd Grade
First Place: Emily Kleilein (Lucas)
Second Place: Nathan Pfeiffer (Lucas)
Third Place: Nicholas Pfeiffer (Lucas)
4th Grade
First Place: Megan Lindenberger (Plymouth)
Second Place: Zane Finley (Lucas)
Third Place: Morgan Welch (Crestview)
5th Grade
First Place: Aaron Pfeiffer (Lucas)
Second Place: Donavon Chapman (Malabar)
Third Place: Jacob Kleilein (Lucas)
6th Grade
First Place: Megan Steinman (Clear Fork)
Second Place:Logan Hissong (Ontario)
Third Place: Abby Willey (Clear Fork)
7th/8th Grade
First Place: Bryanna Madera (Plymouth)
Second Place: Alexis Hill (Crestview)
Third Place: Kelsey Blankenship (Plymouth)
High School
First Place: Dakoda Addington (Foundation Academy)
Second Place: Chelsea Kent (Ontario)
Third Place: Reagan Cook (Ontario)
The “Kick Butts with Art” event began in 1996 and is a nationwide initiative. CACY has participated for three years now.
As stated on their website, CACY’s mission is to “reduce and prevent the use of drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, the negative consequences of such use and supports youth by affirming and teaching the positive values of self-esteem, responsibility to community, respect for self and others as well as leadership.”
For more information on how CACY is involved with the community, check out their website or call 419-774-5683.
